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The Cinderella Debutante
Lucy Sinclair’s London Season was cut short by tragedy. Now, five years later, she is returning but only in the shadow of her lovely step-sister. Belinda is determined to catch a titled husband and Alex, Lord Devlyn fits the bill perfectly.
Lucy finds Alex devastatingly attractive yet knows he will be dazzled by Belinda’s ravishing beauty. Her one chance of love seems lost forever until an unlikely fairy godmother makes Lucy the belle of the ball...
Lucy finds Alex devastatingly attractive yet knows he will be dazzled by Belinda’s ravishing beauty. Her one chance of love seems lost forever until an unlikely fairy godmother makes Lucy the belle of the ball...
233 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 21, 2012
About the author
Elizabeth Hanbury
17 books66 followersI write Regency/historical romance with swoonworthy heroes, sparkling heroines, and a dash of wit and humour.
I'm a member of the Romantic Novelists' Association and Society of Authors and write for people like me, who need a little escape from the stresses of daily life.
“A Regency writer of real skill, depth, wit and charm” - Nicola Cornick.
My books:
A Knight to the Rescue
(in aid of Crohn's Disease research)
Regency Rakes and Rebels Series
Christmas at Rakehell Manor (Book #2)
Midsummer Eve at Rookery End (Book #1)
Regency Secrets and Scandals Series
Lady Vane's Secret (Book #1)
Three Secrets and a Scandal (Book #2)
The Cinderella Debutante
The Paradise Will
Brief Encounters (short story anthology with Phillipa Ashley and Nell Dixon)
More details, news, sensuality rating guide and excerpts can be found on my web-site -
http://www.elizabethhanbury.com :)
I'm a member of the Romantic Novelists' Association and Society of Authors and write for people like me, who need a little escape from the stresses of daily life.
“A Regency writer of real skill, depth, wit and charm” - Nicola Cornick.
My books:
A Knight to the Rescue
(in aid of Crohn's Disease research)
Regency Rakes and Rebels Series
Christmas at Rakehell Manor (Book #2)
Midsummer Eve at Rookery End (Book #1)
Regency Secrets and Scandals Series
Lady Vane's Secret (Book #1)
Three Secrets and a Scandal (Book #2)
The Cinderella Debutante
The Paradise Will
Brief Encounters (short story anthology with Phillipa Ashley and Nell Dixon)
More details, news, sensuality rating guide and excerpts can be found on my web-site -
http://www.elizabethhanbury.com :)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
April 22, 2016
Two and a half stars. Maybe three stars for readers who love Regency romances and like them clean; two stars or even one for anyone else. I think it's time for me to lay off the Regencies because I'm tired of the same old plot lines and especially tired of Big Misunderstandings that keep the hero and heroine apart for half the book. Also, I'm no longer able to read sentences like the following with a straight face:
There are a couple of nods to the Cinderella story but don't go in expecting a Regency version of the fairy tale. Actually, I thought it would have been much improved by bringing in a lot more of the elements from the fairy tale, like more godmotherly interference, more dastardly trouble from the stepmother and stepsister, more ball(s), more of a big Cinderella-ish transformation in the main character, and maybe having a shoe or something get lost (other than a nosegay or whatever meaningless thing it was). Without that, it was just a mediocre Regency romance, not very fun in the romance department since the hero and heroine were hardly together, and kind of a silly story at that. It also uses too many standard Regency plot devices/tropes:
Kidnapping? check.
Traveling to Gretna Green for an elopement (voluntary or involuntary)? check.
Big (and unnecessary) misunderstanding between the main characters? Check and mate.
Now go read Nine Coaches Waiting by Mary Stewart instead, and tell me thanks later.
Very well, play the martyr if you must but I warn to you [sic] take some wine for my temper is already vindictive towards you and the ceremony will be easier if my bride is able to stand unaided.Is that great nonsensical Regency melodrama or what? I'm tempted to add another star to my review just for the sheer craziness of that one sentence, because it gives me life.
There are a couple of nods to the Cinderella story but don't go in expecting a Regency version of the fairy tale. Actually, I thought it would have been much improved by bringing in a lot more of the elements from the fairy tale, like more godmotherly interference, more dastardly trouble from the stepmother and stepsister, more ball(s), more of a big Cinderella-ish transformation in the main character, and maybe having a shoe or something get lost (other than a nosegay or whatever meaningless thing it was). Without that, it was just a mediocre Regency romance, not very fun in the romance department since the hero and heroine were hardly together, and kind of a silly story at that. It also uses too many standard Regency plot devices/tropes:
Kidnapping? check.
Traveling to Gretna Green for an elopement (voluntary or involuntary)? check.
Big (and unnecessary) misunderstanding between the main characters? Check and mate.
Now go read Nine Coaches Waiting by Mary Stewart instead, and tell me thanks later.
December 31, 2012
Elizabeth Hanbury is an expert at creating a Regency setting. She doesn't write modern romances with Regency window dressing. Rather she makes you feel you are really there. This Cinderella story has an appealing heroine and hero, a nasty villain, and relatives so annoying they could populate a Jane Austen novel. This gentle romance provided me with a lovely journey to Regency England and brightened a bleak mid-winter day.
September 11, 2013
Ms. Hanbury has made this regency Cinderella story her own. It warmed my heart and was a breath of fresh air.I liked Lucy the best out of the cast of characters. She is bright, honest, caring, fun and real. But most of all she is selfless. Belinda her beautiful yet shallow step sister and step mother are blind to what is best for Belinda. I honestly was surprised by how selfish Belinda and her mother are. Wow seems like an understatement. I can't think of anything that I did not like about Alex. Okay I wish he would have acted faster. But that being said the story would have been much shorter. All in all I met a fantastic cast of characters and I was pushed to the past! A wonderful read that has me wanting to go horseback riding and galloping through a field! Ms. Hanbury is proving to be a consistent author. She totally delivers a great story! I will be looking for more from her! I hope you all enjoy this story as I did!
Just FYI~ No swearing and only reference to a consummation of marriage no detail.
Just FYI~ No swearing and only reference to a consummation of marriage no detail.
August 11, 2016
Historical romance is my favorite genre and reading one-- my favorite hobby.
The Cinderella debutante is another take on the age old tale of Cinderella complete with a step mother, step sister and God mother.
To confess, I wished it had a little more of those Cinderella moments. Some events I felt were ill timed. Just my opinion though. For example, the ball lacked its charm. The writer should have made it one magical night.
But yes, it has all the necessary ingredient for a complete historical fiction. A war scarred hero, an evil step mother, a benevolent God mother and a lovelorn heroine.
A worthy pick if you love the historical romance genre.
The Cinderella debutante is another take on the age old tale of Cinderella complete with a step mother, step sister and God mother.
To confess, I wished it had a little more of those Cinderella moments. Some events I felt were ill timed. Just my opinion though. For example, the ball lacked its charm. The writer should have made it one magical night.
But yes, it has all the necessary ingredient for a complete historical fiction. A war scarred hero, an evil step mother, a benevolent God mother and a lovelorn heroine.
A worthy pick if you love the historical romance genre.
November 23, 2013
This has been on my 'to read' list for a while, and regency romances are a delightful way to de-stress from the trials of life.
So it was one that I put off for a while, given I had already read Miss Hanbury's A Bright Particular Star and A Midsummer Eve at Rookery End.
I can honestly say that I don't know anyone who wouldn't like these stories. Comparisons are made to Georgette Heyer, who admittedly I have not read, but I think you have to get into the writer's mind - as a reader - in order to fully appreciate things.
This tale is told with Miss Hanbury's trademark wit and style. Given that I really loved the first two books of the author, how would this stand up?
The story centres around two sisters, Lucy and Belinda. Belinda is the gorgeous one who all men fawn after, whilst Lucy, no slouch herself, appears to play second fiddle to her sister all too often. Here's where, for me, the stories are sometimes better than Jane Austen (who I adore but she introduces too many sisters on occasion). That may seem a big ask...but there's nothing wrong being compared to the great authors.
Lord Sneyd is a particular great villain, and sometimes lacking in other stories of their ilk. So it was great to see him take up a lot of the story. That is not to say it lagged when he was not around. You kind of still root for Belinda even though she clearly loves herself. It's easy to get behind Lucy and wish only the best for her, and although I kind of predicted how things might end, it did not stop me enjoying this thoroughly entertaining read.
As for the original Cinderella story, and Disney's interpretation, who didn't love that? This is an enjoyable read, especially in these wintry days. Loved it, and made me want to take off to the home counties today....except I don't have to, and you won't...read this and you'll simply be transported to another world.
I have longed to go horse riding. With this, and A Bright Particular Star as motivation, I might just do that.
So it was one that I put off for a while, given I had already read Miss Hanbury's A Bright Particular Star and A Midsummer Eve at Rookery End.
I can honestly say that I don't know anyone who wouldn't like these stories. Comparisons are made to Georgette Heyer, who admittedly I have not read, but I think you have to get into the writer's mind - as a reader - in order to fully appreciate things.
This tale is told with Miss Hanbury's trademark wit and style. Given that I really loved the first two books of the author, how would this stand up?
The story centres around two sisters, Lucy and Belinda. Belinda is the gorgeous one who all men fawn after, whilst Lucy, no slouch herself, appears to play second fiddle to her sister all too often. Here's where, for me, the stories are sometimes better than Jane Austen (who I adore but she introduces too many sisters on occasion). That may seem a big ask...but there's nothing wrong being compared to the great authors.
Lord Sneyd is a particular great villain, and sometimes lacking in other stories of their ilk. So it was great to see him take up a lot of the story. That is not to say it lagged when he was not around. You kind of still root for Belinda even though she clearly loves herself. It's easy to get behind Lucy and wish only the best for her, and although I kind of predicted how things might end, it did not stop me enjoying this thoroughly entertaining read.
As for the original Cinderella story, and Disney's interpretation, who didn't love that? This is an enjoyable read, especially in these wintry days. Loved it, and made me want to take off to the home counties today....except I don't have to, and you won't...read this and you'll simply be transported to another world.
I have longed to go horse riding. With this, and A Bright Particular Star as motivation, I might just do that.
December 21, 2012
This is a very enjoyable, pacy novel,with a regency setting, with a hero and heroine to love. Lucy Sinclair, the Cinderella figure in this story, is intelligent and brave and the best of company, but without material fortune. She is plagued with a silly stepmother and a vain and materialistic younger stepsister, whose fortune makes her prey to the wicked nobleman Lord Sneyd, and leads both sisters into danger. The handsome and courageous hero, the Viscount Devlyn, finds in Lucy his perfect match, her wit and intelligence proving a foil for his own. How they navigate misunderstanding and danger to find one another drives on this very agreeable historical romance, which has Elizabeth Hanbury's trademarks of wonderful period detail and the atmosphere and language to match.
April 29, 2019
Good
I found this a really good book. Lucy is a good character. She has her come out five years earlier but had been forced to leave by her mother's death. She attends the season 5 years later but with her beautiful step sister in tow and never expects to find love herself.
I found this a really good book. Lucy is a good character. She has her come out five years earlier but had been forced to leave by her mother's death. She attends the season 5 years later but with her beautiful step sister in tow and never expects to find love herself.
January 28, 2014
This started out with a lot of promise. I think the Regency setting is perfect for the Cinderella story. I thought the story started out strong, but I’m not sure I liked how everything played out. I think I was expecting more of a retelling of Cinderella, but aside from Lucy having a stepmother and sister, there was very little in common with the fairytale. Just ended up being your typical Regency story.
I liked Lucy and Alex; I think their relationship would have been stronger if we could have seen them together more. I thought the “godmother” would have played more of a matchmaking role, but aside from having Alex visit Lucy at the beginning of the story she doesn’t do anything else. I think there was a missed opportunity there to have some fun matchmaking. It would have been nice to have them thrown together more often and have each encounter slowly warm him to her and the idea of marriage. He practically does a 180 after their first meeting and does very mild wooing (so subtle in fact that she has NO idea he is interested). I did wonder at why she was so naïve about his intentions. He showed more interest in her, lending her a horse, visits, and whenever they were together he was always throwing subtle digs about the stepsister. So, while I thought they had good chemistry and I liked both characters individually, I just was left wanting more.
As far as Regencies go, I thought it was just okay. The villain wasn’t developed that well. He seemed like your typical furtune hunter. The story itself was entertaining enough, but lacked that something special. Again, I think it would have benefitted from having our leads together more and amp up the tension between the two. It’s great they are attracted to each other, but I guess I need more. I thought the end was abrupt. We’re thrown from the rescue (I use that word very loosely, because it was all rather anticlimactic) to the day after the wedding in the same page. Maybe there was a page limit or something, but I thought we could have had a better transition.
Overall, worth the read, but not a favorite.
Content
Romance: Clean. Implied intimacy between married couple.
Language: Mild.
Violence: Mild.
I liked Lucy and Alex; I think their relationship would have been stronger if we could have seen them together more. I thought the “godmother” would have played more of a matchmaking role, but aside from having Alex visit Lucy at the beginning of the story she doesn’t do anything else. I think there was a missed opportunity there to have some fun matchmaking. It would have been nice to have them thrown together more often and have each encounter slowly warm him to her and the idea of marriage. He practically does a 180 after their first meeting and does very mild wooing (so subtle in fact that she has NO idea he is interested). I did wonder at why she was so naïve about his intentions. He showed more interest in her, lending her a horse, visits, and whenever they were together he was always throwing subtle digs about the stepsister. So, while I thought they had good chemistry and I liked both characters individually, I just was left wanting more.
As far as Regencies go, I thought it was just okay. The villain wasn’t developed that well. He seemed like your typical furtune hunter. The story itself was entertaining enough, but lacked that something special. Again, I think it would have benefitted from having our leads together more and amp up the tension between the two. It’s great they are attracted to each other, but I guess I need more. I thought the end was abrupt. We’re thrown from the rescue (I use that word very loosely, because it was all rather anticlimactic) to the day after the wedding in the same page. Maybe there was a page limit or something, but I thought we could have had a better transition.
Overall, worth the read, but not a favorite.
Content
Romance: Clean. Implied intimacy between married couple.
Language: Mild.
Violence: Mild.
October 8, 2014
Another winner for me. Having read three books by Elizabeth Hanbury The Cinderella Debutantemy admiration for her stories continues to grow. I am a great fan of the regency period and you can tell by reading her books that she does pay great attention to the detail of the times.
Also what I like about the stories I have read (this one included) is that she creates strong, honourable characters. Alex, Viscount Devlyn has been asked by his godmother to pay his respects to the Sinclair family on her behalf. He is wise to her matchmaking ways and rather reluctantly does his duty. He is bored by the visit with Lady Sinclair and her beautiful but vain daughter, Belinda. The real jewel of the family is the older daughter Lucy, sent on an errand before his visit.
Lord Devlyn, on his departure from the Sinclair household meets with the elder daughter by chance and assists her after seeing her on the side of the road, her gig having thrown a wheel. Enchanted by her and unable to forget her after their first meeting (for him at least) he finds he is unable to forget her, so when she comes to London with her stepmother and sister, he decides to throw off his resistance to marriage and persue her.
Of course others have plans and it is misconstrued who Devlyn is really hoping to marry. There is the nasty Lord Sneyd to contend with as well, who has a score to settle with Devlyn. Intrigues, romance and a well written tale.
Also what I like about the stories I have read (this one included) is that she creates strong, honourable characters. Alex, Viscount Devlyn has been asked by his godmother to pay his respects to the Sinclair family on her behalf. He is wise to her matchmaking ways and rather reluctantly does his duty. He is bored by the visit with Lady Sinclair and her beautiful but vain daughter, Belinda. The real jewel of the family is the older daughter Lucy, sent on an errand before his visit.
Lord Devlyn, on his departure from the Sinclair household meets with the elder daughter by chance and assists her after seeing her on the side of the road, her gig having thrown a wheel. Enchanted by her and unable to forget her after their first meeting (for him at least) he finds he is unable to forget her, so when she comes to London with her stepmother and sister, he decides to throw off his resistance to marriage and persue her.
Of course others have plans and it is misconstrued who Devlyn is really hoping to marry. There is the nasty Lord Sneyd to contend with as well, who has a score to settle with Devlyn. Intrigues, romance and a well written tale.
July 26, 2016
I started out very excited about this book. The first chapter read well and I thought I would love it. The first meeting was awesome. But then it went down hill for me. To me it almost felt like them falling in love or actually even conversing together in the book was not a priority for the writer. It was like well the meet and that is all that matters. Too much of the story felt wasted on talking about how beautiful Belinda is. I think we got the point pretty easy without pages and pages of this being discussed.
I was disappointed at the dance that his godmother held for Lucy. The godmother knew something was bothering her but he didn't not champion her. She wouldn't confide and he didn't even try. I was put off by this.
Supposedly the meet some mornings while she rode the horse but that was only mentioned briefly and for a page or two.
It would be interesting to take the book and cut out all the parts but the parts with Lucy and Lord Devlyn actually conversing or together. It would have to be very minimal. My guess is definitely under 20 pages.
It held potential but was lacking. Also I don't understand how the name connects with the story all together.
I was disappointed at the dance that his godmother held for Lucy. The godmother knew something was bothering her but he didn't not champion her. She wouldn't confide and he didn't even try. I was put off by this.
Supposedly the meet some mornings while she rode the horse but that was only mentioned briefly and for a page or two.
It would be interesting to take the book and cut out all the parts but the parts with Lucy and Lord Devlyn actually conversing or together. It would have to be very minimal. My guess is definitely under 20 pages.
It held potential but was lacking. Also I don't understand how the name connects with the story all together.
February 24, 2014
The story started out with a correlation to Cinderella, but that was about all I could compare it to--a step mother, a vain step-sister, and a dead father.
Taking place in a time when coming-out balls and the ton are all the rage, I was swept away into the Regency time period. I enjoyed seeing Lucy and Lord Devlyn interact and thought their attraction was sweet. However, I didn't care for the step mother or Belinda, the step sister, at all. I guess that's how we're supposed to feel about the characters in Cinderella. Belinda's beauty and youth topped that of Lucy's. The mother was determined to win the best match, no matter the cost--even letting her daughter attend a controversial event.
I loved Lord Devlyn's sister--she was quite the condescending character and of course, I loved the ending!
Content: a handful of language; some minimal violence; kissing and reference to consummation of marriage with no details.
Taking place in a time when coming-out balls and the ton are all the rage, I was swept away into the Regency time period. I enjoyed seeing Lucy and Lord Devlyn interact and thought their attraction was sweet. However, I didn't care for the step mother or Belinda, the step sister, at all. I guess that's how we're supposed to feel about the characters in Cinderella. Belinda's beauty and youth topped that of Lucy's. The mother was determined to win the best match, no matter the cost--even letting her daughter attend a controversial event.
I loved Lord Devlyn's sister--she was quite the condescending character and of course, I loved the ending!
Content: a handful of language; some minimal violence; kissing and reference to consummation of marriage with no details.
January 31, 2014
2.5 stars
This book had all the makings to be a real page turner(for a reader like myself). It however had me turning pages not for excitement but from boredom. I was so hopeful at the beginning and I thought that Alex and Lucy really might have something to build on. There was however hardly any building and the fact that this story barely resembled a Cinderella story is a whole separate discussion.
I could not get into it. It felt like a couple different stories the author was trying to smash together. Just kind of boring for me.
This book had all the makings to be a real page turner(for a reader like myself). It however had me turning pages not for excitement but from boredom. I was so hopeful at the beginning and I thought that Alex and Lucy really might have something to build on. There was however hardly any building and the fact that this story barely resembled a Cinderella story is a whole separate discussion.
I could not get into it. It felt like a couple different stories the author was trying to smash together. Just kind of boring for me.
November 1, 2016
Tender, sweet, Victorian retelling of Cinderella
This tale of Cinderella is so adearingly sweet and proper that you can't help but love it. This is my first book by the author and I may read more. The characters are perfect for the time period and I wish I could be Lucy too an extent and have her awesome guy and fair godmother. Definitely read this and its also suitable for a younger audience I think since there are no raunchy scenes in it per say. 5 stars.
This tale of Cinderella is so adearingly sweet and proper that you can't help but love it. This is my first book by the author and I may read more. The characters are perfect for the time period and I wish I could be Lucy too an extent and have her awesome guy and fair godmother. Definitely read this and its also suitable for a younger audience I think since there are no raunchy scenes in it per say. 5 stars.
April 4, 2015
Just right
I enjoy good versus evil. So often in real life, it ain't so. Lucy was a tad bit too selfless but I still liked her and rooted for her to get her hearts desire. When I paused in my reading, I found myself thinking about the story. That is my highest accolade.
I enjoy good versus evil. So often in real life, it ain't so. Lucy was a tad bit too selfless but I still liked her and rooted for her to get her hearts desire. When I paused in my reading, I found myself thinking about the story. That is my highest accolade.
June 5, 2013
I loved this Regency romance. It was very Heyer-esque in language, wit, and kidnappings! This is a sweet and fun romance to read on a day when you need a little lift.
May 9, 2014
Read it a w/e freebie reco from a friend. Maybe I'm too new to this kind of book, but yhyh I liked it a lot!!!!!
April 5, 2015
Loved our hero. Want to marry him. Great heroine. Large cast lost me at times and wanted to give our heroine a shake in the middle, but enjoyed the book. Will read from this author again.
September 24, 2012
Another wonderful regency read from Elizabeth Hanbury.
February 28, 2018
Lovely story
Alex and Lucy were adorable.
Alex is hardened and scarred. Lucy is beautiful and humble. They are the perfect fit. I thought the ending could have had more action and drama, but it ended beautifully. This book is a staple on my kindle.
Alex and Lucy were adorable.
Alex is hardened and scarred. Lucy is beautiful and humble. They are the perfect fit. I thought the ending could have had more action and drama, but it ended beautifully. This book is a staple on my kindle.
January 20, 2019
Well written
Great storyline likeable characters
Thoroughly enjoyable.. Will be looking to read more books by this author.
Wont disappoint...
Great storyline likeable characters
Thoroughly enjoyable.. Will be looking to read more books by this author.
Wont disappoint...
February 27, 2019
This was terrible. Throughout the entire book I couldn't figure out how the actual daughter didn't have a dowery but the step daughter did. And that the actual daughters family didn't look into that. This was in no way a Cinderella story.
January 26, 2020
Cute, light, and clean but the heroine was annoyingly oblivious. Also, not really a Cinderella retelling though it did have hints of the fairytale.
May 20, 2014
This is a Cinderella story set in Regency times, where Lucy feels outshone by her selfish stepmother and stepsister Belinda. Lucy's season was cut short by the death of her father, but now she is back in town for Belinda's season. Belinda has plans to be married by the end of the season, and tries to play Devlyn off against the rake Lord Sneyd. However, Belinda and her mother have misread the situation with Alex, who is really in love with Lucy.
It does go slow in parts - it takes ages for Alex and Lucy to show their hands (which annoys some readers, but is appropriate for Regency period, where everyone has to play by quite rigid rules).
The characters of Belinda and her mother are grotesque, and rather exaggerated, but that's rather the point of a Cinderella stepfamily. There is a "fairy godmother" in Lucy's grandmother who offers both Lucy an escape from her stepmother, and ultimately sets off the meeting between Alex and Lucy.
It does go slow in parts - it takes ages for Alex and Lucy to show their hands (which annoys some readers, but is appropriate for Regency period, where everyone has to play by quite rigid rules).
The characters of Belinda and her mother are grotesque, and rather exaggerated, but that's rather the point of a Cinderella stepfamily. There is a "fairy godmother" in Lucy's grandmother who offers both Lucy an escape from her stepmother, and ultimately sets off the meeting between Alex and Lucy.
April 30, 2014
I liked the story, but I saw VERY little to compare is to Cinderella. (in fact, I felt a little let down in the story because I was EXPECTING Cinderella and it just wasn't there.) The story line is that due to the death of her father Lucy has to miss most of her debut season. Years later she gets to go back as with her younger, beautiful and silly step sister. There is, of course, a handsome both would love to get to know better, but who would take an older less beautiful sister with no dowry when they could have a young, beautiful woman with a huge dowry?
language: clean, heat level: mild
language: clean, heat level: mild
July 2, 2015
3.5 for a fun read
This is a traditional regency, and was quite a bit of fun to read, but I didn't really believe the sudden love that sprung up between the leads. We keep being told how charming and ladylike Lucy, the h, is but we don't often get to see it. I did like Alex as the H, very manly, but the remaining characters were quite thinly drawn. However, I adored this line, which a suitor offered to Lucy...."But enough of newts. Let us discuss moral decline instead." Just a classic :)
This is a traditional regency, and was quite a bit of fun to read, but I didn't really believe the sudden love that sprung up between the leads. We keep being told how charming and ladylike Lucy, the h, is but we don't often get to see it. I did like Alex as the H, very manly, but the remaining characters were quite thinly drawn. However, I adored this line, which a suitor offered to Lucy...."But enough of newts. Let us discuss moral decline instead." Just a classic :)
August 7, 2016
3.0 stars
The writing style was good and the story sweet, but had no interesting ideas and on the emotional level unsatisfying, the protagonist fell in love from the first moment to the second and we never see why and how... it just happened! And I'm a reader who loved to feel and see the emotions and the development of the emotions and "The Cinderella Debutante" lacked that. Additionally the story and characters had no real depth, but overall it was a nice story (I cannot recommend it, but it wasn't THAT bad.)
The writing style was good and the story sweet, but had no interesting ideas and on the emotional level unsatisfying, the protagonist fell in love from the first moment to the second and we never see why and how... it just happened! And I'm a reader who loved to feel and see the emotions and the development of the emotions and "The Cinderella Debutante" lacked that. Additionally the story and characters had no real depth, but overall it was a nice story (I cannot recommend it, but it wasn't THAT bad.)
August 31, 2016
4 1/2 stars. A charming read which had lively, refreshingly realistic characters and a fast-paced and intriguing storyline.
Subtle humor and references to the original Cinderella fairytale which I liked, along with plenty of authentic dialogue and period detail. Loved the section which took place in Vauxhall Gardens. The denouement was enjoyable and sweetly romantic. My only complaint was I'd like to have seen the step-sister's reaction when she heard who Devlyn was going to marry!
Subtle humor and references to the original Cinderella fairytale which I liked, along with plenty of authentic dialogue and period detail. Loved the section which took place in Vauxhall Gardens. The denouement was enjoyable and sweetly romantic. My only complaint was I'd like to have seen the step-sister's reaction when she heard who Devlyn was going to marry!
May 26, 2014
I liked this book until the very end. I don't want to give spoilers, so I'll just say that the real conflict in this novel that kept the hero and heroine from realizing each others true feelings was not resolved directly and would have added much to my enjoyment if it had been. An additional chapter showing the reactions of other characters as the truth was revealed would have made all the difference.
February 22, 2015
3.5 stars. This book was a fun read. I enjoyed the personality of the two main characters. The supporting characters were a bit weak. They seemed to be heavily inspired by a hodgepodge of Georgette Heyer novels. One of my friends said the Cinderella story was a bit weak. I have to agree. This is a great book for a quick clean romance read but it doesn't rank at the top of that category.
July 29, 2013
A lovely, sensitive story that has well-developed characters readers can relate to without resorting to modern conventions to keep them engaged. Witty dialog & villians readers will love to hate. Couldn't put it down.
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