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Arabella
Georgette Heyer had a handful of unforgettable heroines, of which Arabella is one of the most engaging.
ebook, 0 pages
Published
August 1st 2009
by Sourcebooks Casablanca
(first published 1949)
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WOW, what an absolutely fantastic read Arabella was.
First off, thanks go to my GR friend Jeannette (aka "QC") for picking this one (out of several that were commonly available from our respective libraries) for our buddy read. You couldn't have picked better, girl :D
Secondly, this Heyer combines all that's best about regency romances, starting with a well crafted hero. 'Cause let's face it ladies, we all like a swoon-worthy book man. And I'm here to tell you that Robert Beaumaris has got "it" in...more
First off, thanks go to my GR friend Jeannette (aka "QC") for picking this one (out of several that were commonly available from our respective libraries) for our buddy read. You couldn't have picked better, girl :D
Secondly, this Heyer combines all that's best about regency romances, starting with a well crafted hero. 'Cause let's face it ladies, we all like a swoon-worthy book man. And I'm here to tell you that Robert Beaumaris has got "it" in...more
Final rating 4-½ stars
Oh what fun this was! Georgette Heyer takes the predictable framework of a Regency romance, and turns it on its head by giving it an unpredictable hero/heroine pair. Arabella, proud, spunky, and penniless, butts heads with the Nonpareil, who is sworn to bachelordom. But, in Arabella he finds a woman who sparks his interest, and just might win his heart. The series of misadventures these two have are hilarious, and Mr. Beaumaris runs with the challenge of trying to keep up w...more
Oh what fun this was! Georgette Heyer takes the predictable framework of a Regency romance, and turns it on its head by giving it an unpredictable hero/heroine pair. Arabella, proud, spunky, and penniless, butts heads with the Nonpareil, who is sworn to bachelordom. But, in Arabella he finds a woman who sparks his interest, and just might win his heart. The series of misadventures these two have are hilarious, and Mr. Beaumaris runs with the challenge of trying to keep up w...more
Jun 20, 2008
Abigail
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Jane Austen Fans / Readers With a Taste for Well-Written Romance
Shelves:
georgette-heyer,
romance
Review Temporarily Removed.
Apr 26, 2008
katie
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
done-reading-2008,
five-star-favourites
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
I ALWAYS enjoy Georgette Heyer - some are more favorite than others.
This is one that has been packed up for awhile. I finally downloaded it to my Nook to read instead of digging through boxes (which I can't even get to now what with moving and stuff). I did enjoy this one, Arabella is the oldest daughter of a vicar (the younger son) and is considered quite a beauty. Her father does not encourage vanity and teaches his numerous children to do the right thing, regardless of the conventions of soci...more
This is one that has been packed up for awhile. I finally downloaded it to my Nook to read instead of digging through boxes (which I can't even get to now what with moving and stuff). I did enjoy this one, Arabella is the oldest daughter of a vicar (the younger son) and is considered quite a beauty. Her father does not encourage vanity and teaches his numerous children to do the right thing, regardless of the conventions of soci...more
This was a wonderful read! A great story and a lovely hero and heroine! The relationship is wonderful and how it changes through the story. Beaumaris is a very dashing hero! One of my favourite things does have to be his conversations with his trusty companion Ulysses (a mongrel dog thrust upon him by the lovely Arabella ;)) - they were priceless!
My favourite Heyer so far.
My favourite Heyer so far.
Mar 02, 2011
Kelli
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
historical-fiction,
favorites
An amazing book! This definitely has become one of my favorites (of Heyer's and over all). And just happens to be the first Heyer book I ever read!
I am in love with the wit. Heyer's characters, particularly in Arabella, are so hilarious and witty that I wish I could meet them. I especially love Mr. Beaumaris and his discussions with Ulysses. A genius idea that gave him much more depth, especially because Mr. Beaumaris' speeches to Ulysses are forth-telling and amusing.
I really liked the Nonpar...more
I am in love with the wit. Heyer's characters, particularly in Arabella, are so hilarious and witty that I wish I could meet them. I especially love Mr. Beaumaris and his discussions with Ulysses. A genius idea that gave him much more depth, especially because Mr. Beaumaris' speeches to Ulysses are forth-telling and amusing.
I really liked the Nonpar...more
After a string of DNFs and meh, what a joy to read Arabella. Entertaining story. Well written romance. A book I read so quickly that I didn’t pause to make notes. I enjoyed it that much. (Spoilerish comments ahead)
Set in Regency England, our heroine is the eldest daughter of a Vicar who has raised his children well but doesn’t possess the wealth or stature to launch them in society. Arabella’s mother had had the foresight to realize that and had named an old friend who happens to be a “Lady” (i...more
Set in Regency England, our heroine is the eldest daughter of a Vicar who has raised his children well but doesn’t possess the wealth or stature to launch them in society. Arabella’s mother had had the foresight to realize that and had named an old friend who happens to be a “Lady” (i...more
You know it's really not fair to my husband for me to keep reading these books w fabulous heroes like Mr. Beaumaris. My husband is a great guy really, but I am sure I sometimes get this far away look when I wish he would pull up in a carriage and solve all my problems and wear a top hat, know etiquette intimately, and well, you get the point. But he does do the dishes for me, and let me sleep in on Saturday morning, so there you go.
So yes, our hero was mega swoon-worthy. The book was a lot of f...more
So yes, our hero was mega swoon-worthy. The book was a lot of f...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
I really enjoyed this one. Beaumarias, Our Hero, is not a rake (Thank heavens; I am bored with modern-day Romancelandia's rakes; clearly, I want to see more flirts) but he has his own reasons for avoiding marriage. they come down to that he hasn't found the right woman yet, but also that his life is just fine the way it is. I loved his dealings with the problems Arabella saddles him with (especially Jemmy; I wanted more of him. No easy charity case there!) and the way his dealings made the last...more
While this is not the first of Heyer's novels that I've read, it was the one I was most interested in reading, because it seemed to promise the most repartee, and while it did deliver, most of it was between the lead male, Beaumaris, and the stray dog he picks up. While Arabella has her passion and purity, she sadly lacks the wit I was expecting. I really hate to think that all Heyer leads will be the mice in their feline husbands games. This may be precipitate since this is only my second Heyer...more
I really enjoy Heyer's style. It's so classy and you immediately get a feel for the period in which the story is set, which is something that a lot of writers don't bother with nowadays. Heyer did a huge amount of research for her books, wanting them to be as accurate as possible, and for me as a reader that really paid off: I get transported to Heyer's regency world each and every time.
This is a really enjoyable, amusing tale with a wonderful, engaging heroine and a swoon-worthy hero that can c...more
This is a really enjoyable, amusing tale with a wonderful, engaging heroine and a swoon-worthy hero that can c...more
The daughter of a country clergyman, Arabella gets the chance to go to London stay with her rich godmother in hopes of finding a good husband. After being snubbed by the arbiter of fashion known as the Nonpareil, she pretends to be an heiress in a fit of pique. Soon all the fortune hunters in London are after her, and so is one very rich man - the Nonpareil himself. He's convinced himself he's just helping launch her onto the town to enjoy the spectacle, she's convinced that the accomplished rak...more
I LOVED this book! It was such a fun read with a very likable heroine, not to mention a very agreeable leading man, Mr. Beaumaris. Arabella is full of spunk and is not afraid of speaking her mind when she feels an injustice has been made, and somehow Mr. Beaumaris is the lucky one she turns to for assistance. I’m getting a little ahead of myself though, when first meeting they don’t care for one another. When Arabella overhears a *shocking* conversation between Mr. Beaumaris and Mr. Fleetwood, A...more
Arabella Tallant is the eldest daughter of a humble vicar and his wife, and she is expected to marry well. She is sent to London to stay with her godmother in hopes of finding a suitable husband.
On her way to London, Arabella's carriage breaks down and she and her companion end up staying at the nearest home. It is the home of rich, eligible bachelor, Robert Beaumaris. Beaumaris is used to females trying to catch his attention, so he thinks that Arabella faked her carriage trouble in order to s...more
Arabella Tallant is the eldest daughter of eight children and considered a Beauty. The Tallant family lives in a cozy parsonage, the father being Reverend Henry Tallant, in genteel poverty. With little aspiration for Arabella contriving a great match in Yorkshire (a must to help marry off the rest of the girls and provide a living for the son's) Mrs. Tallant's long-held dream has been to have Arabella's godmother, Lady Bridlington, sponsor a London season for Arabella. When the invitation comes...more
Arabella (1949) is another of Heyer's most beloved heroines. Daughter of a country vicar, Arabella is the eldest of eight children in a happy household and an acknowledged beauty. Her mother has a little money of her own and has scrimped and saved for years so that Arabella might have a London season and make an advantageous match. Her godmother, Lady Bridlington, has agreed to launch her into society. On the way to London, Arabella's ancient coach breaks down in front of Robert Beaumarais' hunt...more
Impetuosity is Arabella’s only fault. That and being young and naive. At the same time she has very strong convictions about right and wrong and follows through on them, again to a fault. She is not a push over, nor is she vapid or overly frivolous. Being young and naive ends up being only endearing, and her convictions are admirable considering the time and place she is in. Her impetuosity though is what got her into trouble in the first place.
Arabella is one of eight children in a large family...more
Arabella is one of eight children in a large family...more
Arabella is a Cinderella story of sorts; on her way to stay in London with her rich godmother, the fortuneless heroine, Arabella, is forced to stop at the house of Robert Beaumaris, and out of pique, tells him that she's heiress to an immense forture. Though I'm generally made uncomfortable by plots which are founded on deceptions like this, Arabella's charm rescued it for me, and I quite enjoyed her romance with Beaumaris, which develops out of a growing friendship.
Arabella is one of my favorite Heyers. Its main strength is the characters; the titular heroine, despite her youth, isn't the least bit cowed by the demands of fashion or overset by the dissipations of the one Season her less-than-wealthy family is able to give her, as her clergyman father taught her excellent principles.
Arabella's besetting sin is impetuosity; on her way to London, when she overhears the handsome, wealthy Mr. Beaumaris arrogantly remarking on the schemes women have perpetrated...more
Arabella's besetting sin is impetuosity; on her way to London, when she overhears the handsome, wealthy Mr. Beaumaris arrogantly remarking on the schemes women have perpetrated...more
Arabella is the daughter of a country vicar who is sent into London for the season to live with her Godmother in the hope of making a fortunate match. On the way to town, her carriage breaks down and she meets wealthy and sarcastic Robert Beaumaris. Arabella overhears him accuse her of being yet another girl only after his money and reacts strongly. Soon all of London believes her to be a wealthy heiress and Arabella finds herself caught in her own deception.
I have to admit that I very much enjo...more
I have to admit that I very much enjo...more
Before going into detail about Arabella , I really should mention the book's author, because it was seeing her picture that first intrigued me into picking up the book. The black and white picture provided by goodreads represents a pretty woman of undeterminable age, unremarkable. Fashionable, maybe of the thirties, wearing a funky WW hat with a feather and fur coat, almost post-flapper. I pictured a character more dramatic and romantic, probably single. Her name seemed to be popping up everywh...more
So, I'm trying to avoid reading a book. Yes, Deb, I'm trying to avoid reading the second book in the Hunger Games series. I'm pretty sure it will have some serious stuff going on in it. At the moment I'm in a fluffy book mood. My books at the moment need to be either, a). separated from my reality to a significant degree (ie fantasy with battles etc) or b). really funny and fluffy. So, when the weekend hit and I my library didn't dish out a hold that I wanted that fit the two requirements I had...more
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher. "Arabella" is an enjoyable Regency romance. The book had similarities to "Frederica": a charming heroine whose open innocence induces a jaded rich and popular fellow to think of others beyond himself. I liked "Frederica" a little better, but I certainly enjoyed "Arabella," too.
The characters were engaging. Their antics were amusing, and the romance was delightful and built slowly. The historical information was interesting and skillfully...more
The characters were engaging. Their antics were amusing, and the romance was delightful and built slowly. The historical information was interesting and skillfully...more
Adorable, adorable, adorable! I think Arabella is my favorite heroine of all the Georgette Heyer books I've read thus far. She is spunky and impetuous, and the way she comports herself throughout the book is refreshing! The story, too, between her and Robert Beaumaris (Again, I giggled at the name. Beaumaris? I think I preferred Ravenscar...) was unique and charming, and kept me engaged until the very end. It definitely threw me for a loop once or twice (the hero proposing marriage a little more...more
Though the engrossing and talented works of Ms. Georgette Heyer have graced us for many many years, I have personally, up until now, been bereft of enjoying her tales. With Arabella, that has all changed and I feel as though I have uncovered a much coveted treasure! Just the sweet innocence and romantically nostalgic cover makes one's fingers itch to pick up the book. Once the cover is lifted and eyes are fixed upon the beginning words, the reader is transported back in time and lost in a differ...more
This is by far the most cleverest plot that Georgette Heyer has created. Granted, I wouldn't call myself someone who has read a great part of her novels yet, but I'm getting there.
Arabella is headed to London to stay with her godmother who is going to introduce her into society. On the way there, her carriage breaks down and while waiting for help to arrive (where's a gas station when you need one?) she takes shelter in a nearby home that belongs to none other than the infamous Nonpareil Robert...more
Arabella is headed to London to stay with her godmother who is going to introduce her into society. On the way there, her carriage breaks down and while waiting for help to arrive (where's a gas station when you need one?) she takes shelter in a nearby home that belongs to none other than the infamous Nonpareil Robert...more
This was exactly my type of ridiculous fun. I got it this afternoon from the library and was so absorbed that I finished it by dinner.
Unlike Sophy in "The Grand Sophy," who had few visible character flaws, Arabella's choices (and mistakes) throughout the novel are actually somewhat realistic. She's a bit airheaded, and doesn't think things through, but has a good heart and an irrepressible temper towards those who attempt to harm those are weaker than themselves. I was never terribly awed by he...more
Unlike Sophy in "The Grand Sophy," who had few visible character flaws, Arabella's choices (and mistakes) throughout the novel are actually somewhat realistic. She's a bit airheaded, and doesn't think things through, but has a good heart and an irrepressible temper towards those who attempt to harm those are weaker than themselves. I was never terribly awed by he...more
Genre: Regency Romance
This is an amusing tale of a young impetuous and highly compassionate beauty (Arabella Tallant) and handsome, wealthy, but world-weary Robert Beaumaris, the Nonpareil of the Ton. Unusually for Heyer’s romances I think we spend more time seeing the hero’s thoughts then we do the heroine’s, which is a nice change-of-pace. My only complaints are with the charactors of the hero and heroine. Beaumaris is well-neigh omniscient as well as exceedingly competent at everything. This...more
This is an amusing tale of a young impetuous and highly compassionate beauty (Arabella Tallant) and handsome, wealthy, but world-weary Robert Beaumaris, the Nonpareil of the Ton. Unusually for Heyer’s romances I think we spend more time seeing the hero’s thoughts then we do the heroine’s, which is a nice change-of-pace. My only complaints are with the charactors of the hero and heroine. Beaumaris is well-neigh omniscient as well as exceedingly competent at everything. This...more
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Georgette Heyer was an amazingly prolific writer who created the Regency England genre of romance novels.
Georgette Heyer was an intensely private person. A best-seller all her life without the aid of publicity, she made no appearances, never gave an interview, and only answered fan letters herself if they made an interesting historical point. Heyer wrote very well-researched historical fiction, fu...more
More about Georgette Heyer...
Georgette Heyer was an intensely private person. A best-seller all her life without the aid of publicity, she made no appearances, never gave an interview, and only answered fan letters herself if they made an interesting historical point. Heyer wrote very well-researched historical fiction, fu...more
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“Mr. Beaumaris, who had picked Ulysses up, paid no heed to all these attempts at self-justification, but addressed himself to his adorer. "What a fool you are!" he observed. "No, I have the greatest dislike of having my face licked, and must request you to refrain. Quiet, Ulysses! quiet! I am grateful to you for your solicitude, but you must perceive that I am in the enjoyment of my customary good health. I would I could say the same of you. You have once more reduced yourself to skin and bone, my friend, a process which I shall take leave to inform you I consider as unjust as it is ridiculous. Anyone setting eyes on you would suppose that I grudged you even the scraps from my table!" He added, without the slightest change of voice, and without raising his eyes from the creature in his arms. "You would also appear to have bereft my household of its sense, so that the greater part of it, instead of providing me with the breakfast I stand in need of, is engaged in excusing itself from any suspicion of blame and - I may add - doing itself no good thereby.”
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12 people liked it
“How very awkward places we do choose in which to propose to one another!' remarked Mr. Beaumaris”
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10 people liked it
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I've read all her mysteries fairly recently. Can we...more
Oct 14, 2012 08:57pm
Oct 14, 2012 10:08pm