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Nancy's Theory of Style

by Grace Coopersmith (pseudonym), Marta Acosta (Goodreads Author)

3.61 of 5 stars 3.61 · rating details · 100 ratings · 31 reviews

Lively young socialite Nancy Carrington-Chambers has always believed an excellent sense of style and strict attention to detail are what it takes to succeed, but her own husband Todd is showing symptoms of incurable tackiness, so Nancy flees their McMansion for her posh San Francisco apartment. She knows her event planning company, Froth, is a real winner, but she must pro...more

Paperback, 1st Edition, 362 pages

Published May 18th 2010 by Pocket Books (first published April 28th 2010)

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Jan 16, 2012 Wendy Hines rated it 4 of 5 stars

Nancy Carrington-Chambers strives for success and pays attention to detail. She has her own Theory of Style and jots them down in a notebook to be published sometime in her future. But what is not stylish is the wet bar in her master bedroom! While away on vacation, her husband Todd changed her perfect architecture plans and now their what was to be a perfect mansion is now a designers atrocity.

Fed up, Nancy tells Todd she needs space.. away from the horrible prison of the house. She's going to...more Nancy Carrington-Chambers strives for success and pays attention to detail. She has her own Theory of Style and jots them down in a notebook to be published sometime in her future. But what is not stylish is the wet bar in her master bedroom! While away on vacation, her husband Todd changed her perfect architecture plans and now their what was to be a perfect mansion is now a designers atrocity.

Fed up, Nancy tells Todd she needs space.. away from the horrible prison of the house. She's going to stay in her apartment to work on her new business, Froth, an event planning company. Todd whole-heartedly agrees that their marriage could use a break and even offers to pay for an assistant for her.

Nancy hires the most perfect assistant, Derek Catheart. He may be gay but he dresses divinely and has excellent taste. Nancy gets a job, to reinvent the Barbary Coast Historical Museum Fundraiser. She is bound and determined to pull it off and prove to everyone, especially her penny pinching trust funder dear daddy, that she is perfectly capable of running a business and taking care of herself.

But, there are a few kinks along the way. First off, Nancy's cousin Birdie drops off her daughter Eugenia while she flits across the country with her newest boy toy. Nancy doesn't know what to do with a child, but she tries hard and finds herself loving the girl. And then Nancy finds herself falling hard for Derek, knowing that he is gay makes it even worse. He is just so much more than her husband Todd. And to top that off, in her prenup agreement, if she has an affair, Todd gets everything in the case of a divorce. But Todd's good-looking friend Bailey seems to have set his sights on Nancy and she is finding it hard to resist.

Nancy's Theory of Style is a spectacular read! Perfect for the beach! Nancy has so many interesting quirks I was either laughing out loud, smiling, or just shaking my head. I was rooting for her through-out the whole book. Eugenia really added that special bit of whimsical to the novel as well as more humanity for Nancy. I really enjoyed it!!
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Feb 23, 2011 Lillie Roberts rated it 5 of 5 stars

We first meet Nancy Carrington when reading Marta Acosta's wonderful Casa Dracula series, she's one of Milagro's best friends, so she couldn't be all bad, could she? She's one of those socialite girls who went to FU (Fancy University) with Milagro and ever since, they had become fast friends. No one understand Nancy Fancy like Milagro does.

By the time we find Nancy in Nancy's Theory of Style, she has married her one time boyfriend, Todd Chambers. Nancy knows they'll look fabulous together, have...more We first meet Nancy Carrington when reading Marta Acosta's wonderful Casa Dracula series, she's one of Milagro's best friends, so she couldn't be all bad, could she? She's one of those socialite girls who went to FU (Fancy University) with Milagro and ever since, they had become fast friends. No one understand Nancy Fancy like Milagro does.

By the time we find Nancy in Nancy's Theory of Style, she has married her one time boyfriend, Todd Chambers. Nancy knows they'll look fabulous together, have a fabulous life, and live in a fabulous house. But, maybe fabulous isn't all it's cracked up to be, and maybe life isn't meant to be fabulous. Nancy comes to realize that living with Todd isn't what she thought it would be, it's isn't her fairytale life that she thinks it's going to be, but then life isn't usually a fairytale unless you ignore reality, something Nancy comes to discover quickly enough.

Deciding she needs time away from her life and Todd, Nancy starts an events planning business, everyone is always so taken with her weddings, parties, and other affairs she has planned. She knows this will be just the thing for her, she's the best and it will give her life new meaning, she'll be seen as successful, Toddless. So, she moves back to her small apartment in Chateau Winkles, and starts setting up her business. Todd, on a rare generous note, offers to pay for an assistant to help Nancy, to make her life easier. Nancy is grateful for Todd's help, but is it really help or something else?

To add to her wrong choices in life, Birdie, her flighty cousins stops to visit Nancy, and leaves without taking one of her most important possessions with her, her daughter, Eugenia. Nancy calls everyone she can think of, but Birdie has done a complete disappearing act, not to be found, and no one will take Eugenia either. Having had Eugenia foisted upon her, Nancy has to learn how to care for a child, she's only ever had to care for herself. Eugenia is a sweet kid who refers to Nancy as Auntie Nanny, much to Nancy's embarrassment, but she lets it go, to please Eugenia.

Into the picture strolls her fabulous assistant arranged for by Todd. Derek Cathcart is everything Nancy has pictured the perfect assistant could be; British, gay, good-looking, and completely stylish, so fitting for her Theory of Style. Things blossom for Nancy, in many ways, her business, her assistant, and her niece. But, you know, just when you think you have it all, know it all.... that's when things start to come apart, a lesson Nancy has yet to learn.

Nancy's Theory of Style by Grace Coopersmith isn't your typical contemporary romance, nor is it Marta Acosta's typical paranormal romance. It's the story of Fancypants Nancy and how she learns to grow up, that does eventually include romance, and it's a tasty little romance, between Nancy and her fabulously gay assistant, Derek. But what Todd has paid for isn't only assistant services for Nancy, and it may cost her more than her heart. Then there's Bailey Whiteside, and he's not what he appears either, he has all these investment ideas, and even starts to fill Nancy's head with thoughts of a socially acceptable match, but what he really finds socially acceptable is Nancy's trust fund. Another issue for Nancy to deal with are her mother and father, they want life to appear happy, the perfect couple, but it's another fabrication in Nancy's life.

Nancy's Theory of Style is a humorous take on the lives of the rich and famous, and it isn't all fairytales and flowers. Nancy Fancypants has some serious growing up to do, and as yet, hasn't be forced to do so. She's made bad life choices too, including marrying the wrong man, and then almost making the same mistake twice. Of all her society friends, it turns out only a handful are truly her friends. Sloane, a friend from college, Milagro, GP, and Mrs. Winkles are the only ones besides her assistant, Derek, who we found out is Rick, really cares about Nancy. All those hoity toity society type friends are just waiting for her to fall on her face, especially Junie. I don't read many romances that aren't paranormals, because, let's face, I adore supernatural creatures! But, as far as a funny, fast, quirky, quick read goes, Nancy's Theory of Style is it. Milagro makes a few quick appears and never fails to make me laugh. Nancy's so involved in her life, she can't really see what's happening all around her. There are some laugh out loud ridiculous moments, some moments when you wish Nancy didn't have to learn things the hard way, and moments when you wanted to kick Nancy in the Fancypants. If you haven't read Grace Coopersmith (aka Marta Acosta), I would definitely start here. Then, rush out and buy her Casa Dracula series because you'll find you can't get enough. I highly recommend this book to all romance lovers, you'll find yourself rooting for Nancy, after you get over the idea of kicking her in her Fancypants. Nancy's Theory of Style is about life and growing up, learning to really live. If you like to try this wonderful book, you can do it for free. For a limited time (and I don't know how long that will be), you can read the Draft of Nancy's Theory of Style at Scribd. It's a little rough and it doesn't have current cover art, but still so enjoyable. Marta Acosta also has out a new YA paranormal, The Shadow Girl of Birch Grove (only her publisher things the title is too long... I'm rooting for Shadow Girl), if you want to try this book for free, click here.

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Nov 05, 2010 Jennifer Rayment rated it 4 of 5 stars

The Good Stuff

* absolutely positively delightful and fun
* Great dialogue
* Wacky characters
* You wont want to put it down you will be having so much fun
* Nancy comes across at first as a total flake, but she is a flake with heart and compassion and knows when to do the right thing
* Milagro is in it briefly -- I love that quirky lady
* Grace Coopersmith is the pen name for Marta Acosta who writes the Casa Dracula books and owner of the fabulous blog Vampirewire -- and she really is cool for...more

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May 16, 2010 Bookaholics rated it 5 of 5 stars

Nancy's Theory of Style by Grace Coopersmith
Contemporary Romance- Chick Lit- May 18th, 2010
5 stars

Nancy's Theory of Style is a must read! This is the perfect feel good book for the summer. It is certainly one destined for my keeper shelf. If I could grade it more than 5 stars I would!

Usually contemporary or chick lit books are not my 1st choice. This is because the relationship and the dialogue have to be strong or I quickly lose interest. In paranormal or suspense romances at least there is the...more 　
Nancy's Theory of Style by Grace Coopersmith
Contemporary Romance- Chick Lit- May 18th, 2010
5 stars

Nancy's Theory of Style is a must read! This is the perfect feel good book for the summer. It is certainly one destined for my keeper shelf. If I could grade it more than 5 stars I would!

Usually contemporary or chick lit books are not my 1st choice. This is because the relationship and the dialogue have to be strong or I quickly lose interest. In paranormal or suspense romances at least there is the mystery or `magic' to keep me intrigued even if the main characters do not. But Grace Coopersmith has succeeded in writing a book that has a surprisingly poignant romance and witty dialogue that kept me in eager anticipation of what funny thing the main character would say or do next!

Nancy has the perfect life. She looks good, has money and a husband most women would envy. So why does she feel her perfect life is draining her? She decides to take a `break' from her husband. Now she can finally start the event business she always wanted. Unfortunately, her father and husband never felt she was serious. Her first step is to find an impeccable assistant. When she giddily hires the urbane Derek she knows she will be a success. As Nancy stumbles through each zany adventure she finds a strength and sense of purpose that she didn't know she had.

The wonderful thing about this book is how it slowly grows on you. Nancy is a rich socialite. And at first glance she seems like the typical blonde who is more concerned about her looks and status than other people and their misfortune. But as I grew to know Nancy, I grew to love her and so did her love interest. Nancy's personality is effervescent. She is like champagne, but instead of tickling your nose she tickles your funny bone and keeps you happily drunk on her view of life! (It reminded me of a modern day Georgette Heyer novel.)

On the surface this story is a funny, lighthearted and frothy read. As I mentioned earlier, Nancy does have rare style and grace. Her entertaining and outrageous personality carry this book! But Nancy also has unplumbed depths. I was surprised how invested I became in Nancy's struggles. Her growing pains as she realized who her real friends are and what really counts in life were very emotional. Although Grace Coopersmith cleverly disguises this story as a light chick lit, I found it a far deeper story. I was enthralled at Nancy's fortitude and courage as she finds both real love and herself. This book was empowering and uplifting. It kept a smile on my face long after I finished it. I can only hope Nancy's adventures continue!

Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
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May 13, 2010 Cheryl rated it 4 of 5 stars

Nancy Carrington-Chambers had everything a woman could dream of…the perfect life and rich husband. So then, why is Nancy leaving her life behind? Nancy packs up her things and moves into her San Francisco apartment to focus on her event planning business, Froth.

Nancy can’t run her business successfully without an assistant. She hires Derek Catheart. Derek is British and gay. Which is such a bummer as Nancy feels an attraction to Derek. As if Nancy needs any more upheavals in her life, her cousin...more

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May 18, 2010 Mary (BookHounds) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010-book-challenge, arc, from-publisher-author

I heart Nancy.

I was sitting here wondering when I could get my hands on the next book in the Casa Dracula series and here it was on my nightstand for a week! I started reading Nancy's Theory of Style and by the fourth chapter when a certain character named Milagro appeared and I knew I had heard Nancy's name before, except I remember her as "Fancy Nancy". Nancy is of course Milagro's former roommate from college in the Casa Dracula series and her one liners are so snarky and special you will wan...more

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Jun 17, 2010 Colleen Turner rated it 4 of 5 stars

What a wonderful summer read! This is smart chic lit with twists, turns and strange discoveries. While the people and situations may seem far fetched or those of a class few actually belong to, it is very relatable and touching to all.

When we meet Nancy Carrington-Chambers she is spoiled, picky, rich and hard to like. She lives to control those around her and, when she can't, runs away to something safer and easy to manage. When she leaves her husband for a break and to help launch her party pla...more

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May 17, 2010 Jacqueline rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: womens-fiction, for-review, read-in-2010, favorites

Never having read anything by author Marta Acosta, and this being her first foray under the pseudonym Grace Coopersmith, I had no idea what to expect from Nancy's Theory of Style. Since humor is a common hallmark of chick lit novels it wasn't the abundance of it here that caught me by surprise. What did, however, was the brand of funny put forth by the novel.

Nancy is an utterly unique and delightfully refreshing character. Her behavior and speech is often ridiculous and, the majority of the time...more

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Aug 27, 2010 Tanya rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book is a must read, I found myself laughing out loud at the situations Nancy (the main character) found herself in. The book also touches on real scenarios that we all at one point have encountered that leads us to personal growth. It's touching, funny, witty with elements of style weaved into the story. The author is a master of creating a great story with a message. I found myself rooting for Nancy and I was left with wanting to read more about this character when the book ended...Hope f...more

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May 13, 2010 Anna rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviews, contemp-romance

If someone asked Nancy about her life- she'd say it was perfect. Perfect marriage, perfect husband, perfect friends- perfect everything. Now Nancy she's a planner and a very good one too. She can turn a boring event into the party of the year. But what she didn't plan on was for her life to take a total left turn.

If your a fan of Marta Acosta's Casa Dracula you'll recognize Nancy as Milagro's ever fashionable friend. Honestly I've never been a fan of Nancy's she just didn't seem like a very good...more

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May 03, 2010 Jennifer rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to Jennifer by: jennsicurella@verizon.net

Shelves: chick-lit

Nancy's Theory of Style is a fresh feeling novel of life, love, losing control and finally realizing what's truly important. Surprising plot twists really make this novel something special. Only readers extremely well-versed in chick lit plot staples will see any of the big reveals coming.

Nancy's Theory of Style started a little rough for me, taking a few chapters to get used to Nancy's way of speaking. It took slightly longer to get used to her completely self-involved lifestyle. Nancy's priori...more

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Dec 04, 2012 Diane rated it 1 of 5 stars

This is one of those one dimensional books where the good characters are sickeningly good and the bad characters are all horrible. The writing is poor and the depth of the characters thus far is about as deep as a coat of paint. The transition from one chapter to the next makes no sense--several years have actually passed by from the previous chapter but there is no indication of time passing until midway through the second chapter. I'm on about page 30 and have thrown in the towel.

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Nov 14, 2011 Laura rated it 4 of 5 stars

Enjoyable! I became frustrated with the main character somewhere around the middle, but then I realized she was a perfectly normal, flawed individual, and I saw her through clearer eyes. It is always fun to live in a different lifestyle for a few hours, and I found the plot delightful. Full of anticipation and flirty fun moments.

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Jun 06, 2010 Lynn rated it 4 of 5 stars

You know what they say about best laid plans... Nancy now does!
Who knew a 4 year old girl and a "fabulous" personal assistant could throw a person's life into a complete tailspin!?!?
What a funny, heartwarming, satisfying story about someone finding out who they really are and learning to trust and believe in that person. Loved every second of Nancy's crazy adventures and how, in finding herself, she was also able to see the true natures of the people around her.
Great story- highly recommend it!

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Sep 27, 2011 Pygmy rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, romance

Tissue thin and told in the POV of a very dumb woman. Who does not become smarter. The romance was obvious and hackneyed. And yet somehow I read through all of it. It was one of those weekends I guess...

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Feb 14, 2012 Heidi rated it 4 of 5 stars

I didn't think i would actually enjoy this book, but once i got past the main character's attitude, i rather enjoyed it. it was a fast read with several plot twists that were fairly apparent, but hoenstly, what can you expect from a fluff novel

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Jul 09, 2010 Jessica Bacon rated it 4 of 5 stars

The book is enchanting and has alot of good humor... it is not as sappy as some are nor as funny but it has some really good qualities, and I have not been able to put it down.

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Feb 11, 2011 My Book Views rated it 5 of 5 stars

Love, love, love!!! Nancy’s interactions with Eugenia (her cousin’s daughter) and Derek (her longed for gay British assistant) made this book.

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May 06, 2010 Nicole rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010

I didn't like Nancy at first and wasn't sure if I'd like the book, but then came Eugenia. Nancy revealed herself and I loved her and the book!

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Aug 23, 2010 Peace Love and Reviews rated it 4 of 5 stars

Small trivia: Grace Coopermsith is the pen name of Marta Acosta.

If you are a fan of her Casa Dracula books then you are familiar with Nancy. Let's just say that she is someone I avoid because of all the perfection and rules about social etiquette and what-not. But I love this girl, despite her high standards, use of fancy words, and elaborate ridiculousness about flowers and stuff; I can actually relate to her. She's hilarious and has a strong personality. So imagine her with a gay English assi...more

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May 14, 2010 Harvee rated it 4 of 5 stars

My full review...

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Feb 06, 2013 Mandy rated it 2 of 5 stars

Just hard to get into. All of the puns she did on grammer or phrases seemed confusing.

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Mar 13, 2012 Amy rated it 2 of 5 stars

eh, ok - but nothing fantastic and not one that I'd recommend.

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Jan 18, 2011 Louise Parr added it

Lots of fun. Not great but I recommend it for readers of chick list.

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Mar 06, 2013 Mary Thurston rated it 5 of 5 stars

I want to be Nancy when I grow up.

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Dec 23, 2012 Addison Westlake rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: funny-women-s-fiction

Nice detail, humor and SF setting

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Jul 28, 2011 Gina Pollack added it

nice and easy summer read!

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Jan 19, 2011 Sarah rated it 3 of 5 stars

Good chick lit for the beach or vacation.
A little predictable, but still a fun read.

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Nov 10, 2012 Barbara added it

Breezy, light--

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Jul 02, 2010 Jennifer rated it 2 of 5 stars

Nancy's Theory of Style was not a book I enjoyed at all. Maybe it is the genre, but I did not care for any of the characters. This book has received wonderful reviews, so do look at those who enjoyed this book. Unfortunately, it was not for me.

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About Grace Coopersmith

I’m a San Francisco Bay Area native and still live there. I went to Stanford, where I studied creative writing, literature, and theatre. (I had a mad idea that I wanted to be a theatre reviewer. Anyway…)

With this extremely useful ability to sit around and read books and talk about them, I took miscellaneous low-paying jobs. I frequently worked for non-profits, including theatre companies. One of m...more

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