Miss Prim

by Jane Myers Perrine

At twenty-five, Louisa Walker has carefully laid out the pattern of her the season in London, a few weeks at fashionable house parties and the rest of the year spent visiting and organizing the lives of her six siblings and their children. Because of her age, refined nature, and strict moral code she is considered to be "Miss Prim." Louisa's guarded existence is disrupted when she accepts an invitation from her sister. She believes that she is simply helping her sister and brother-in-law by watching the children during their travels. However, upon her arrival she meets William, Viscount Woodstone, and an adventure beyond her wildest imagination begins. Starting with the questionable heritage of a baby in her care, she decides to join Woodstone's secret quest to outwit French spies and thwart their evil plan. Despite all Louisa's beliefs, this refined gentlewoman careens around the back roads of England in an ancient cart, poses as a countrywoman, and even saves Woodstone's life. Once the adventure ends, Louisa is concerned that her "Miss Prim" image is shattered, and hopes that Woodstone feels the same emotions for her that she has developed for him.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance

249 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2005

About the author

A Missouri native, Jane Myers Perrine earned her B.A. from Kansas State University and her M.Ed. in Spanish from the University of Louisville. She was a finalist in the Regency category of the Golden Heart Awards, and her short pieces have appeared in the Houston Chronicle and Woman's World magazine. A high-school Spanish teacher as well as an ordained minister, she currently lives in Texas with her husband, who is the minister of a local Christian church.

Reviews

[Leona · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok read, but not great. It started out strong, but then got dragged down by unrealistic scenarios.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this historical romance/mystery/spy 'thriller.' It was short and the writing sometimes seemed too spare, but the plot was tight, well written and kept my interest. Overall an enjoyable adventure.

[Bethany Swafford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Louisa has a strict moral code to which she adheres, earning her the title of Miss Prim. When she accepts an invitation from her sister, she is reunited with William, VicsountWoostone, and takes part in an adventure that proves she is not so prim.

I remember reading this several years ago, and I enjoyed revisiting it. Yes, there are some aspects that are a bit unbelievable, but Louisa was a fun character. It was a delight to see her go from a proper lady to one ready for adventure.

it is a quick read with a fast-paced plot. William and Louisa's history together causes tension at first, but they gradually come to realize how they really feel about each other.

I would recommend this to Regency readers who enjoy a dash of adventure with their romance.

[GreenBayTina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adventure abounds in Merry Old England

I picked this book because I’d read three other novels by Jane Myers Perrine and liked them so well that I wanted to read more of her work. The others were modern day American “romantic comedies”. This book took place in “old England”, with noblemen and women, spies, and intrigue, with a nice bit of romance, too. I enjoyed the book and will seek out more by this author.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, simple read. Louisa and Willian were childhood sweethearts, but have not seen each other in years. When they meet again it is to babysit an infant that happens to be the daughter of a spy. Adventures, chases and plots ensue. During these adventures Willian and Louisa begin to reacquaint themselves and learn to admire each other.

[Amy Bartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spunky female character, great story

The plot of this book was good with undertones of romance but also great adventure. It was different from most romance novels. I appreciate a heroine who speaks her mind & acts more than a simpering brainless twit.

[betsy kelly · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don't look for historical fiction

Not a very believable story. Boring and waste of time. Writer needed to study time period. The inns were described like our bed and breakfast.

[P. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rounded up, and really closer to 2 than 3. The characters are OK, but the plot is extremely weak. It's spy against spy, which leads to the silliest denouement in spy history. It might be a farce for all that.

[tina bobo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good summer read

Thus book is a nice read full of twist and turns. A good perky love story. The book made me wwnt to read more about their adventures.

[Elizabeth A. Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

PROPRIETOR

Is this really a proper prim? This is a very endearingstory, well-written. I usually don't read romance but this is refreshing.

[Sharon Buxton · Rating 3 out of 5]

B-. fiction, historical fiction; 19th c., adventure and romance

[Cori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, adventurous, clean romance. I felt I had to suspend my disbelief more times than I wish to in a book (she just leaves with her ex and a baby not knowing why, she easily convinces others she is a commoner, William is suddenly okay with being committed to one woman) but I enjoyed myself while reading, and it was unique among other regency books I have read, so 4 stars.

[Priscilla Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fine read.

I chose this story without knowledge of author, but her name is similar to my daughter's. Said let's give this a try. It was fun and with the English wit about it. Took place in late 18/century with a mystery involved. I would choose another book written by the author. Thanks, Jane.

[Katie M · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yet another sexist, pointless, poorly-written romance novel. I swear I used to like these.... I'm not sure if it's because the last few I've read have sucked, or if the entire genre is just much worse than I remember it being...

[Tana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Prim

Your usual cookie cutter formula romance. That said, I still consider this an enjoyable read.

If you are looking for a book for a quiet moment or two, I recommend this one. You'll be entertained. I hope this helps.

[Dee Schwinn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am actually enjoying these quick read romances. This one was set in England during the time of Napoleon and involves a prim and proper "old maid" of 25 and her adventures with William, a former sweetheart. They do all they can for the good of England and have lots of obstacles along the way.

[S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a quick fun read.

[Beeface · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was okay.

[Nancy Tewksbury · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick Read

A little over the top and certainly unbelievable at times, but a fun quick romantic read. Don't believe that a lot of it could ever really happen as written.

[J.B. Hawker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable period romp

Well written, with likable characters. A very enjoyable afternoon's reading. I recommend this author's work. Wholesome light entertainment for all.

[Kathryn R Ledlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific book!

Really enjoyed the adventures and the story. Wonderful characters that kept your interest throughout the book. Highly recommend this book

[Inach · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,5 stars

[Marya · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had to force myself to finish it.

[MLL · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Delightful and Clean Romp

This romance takes a slightly tarnished hero and a plucky heroine on a wild chase across England. Throw in a baby, a goat, French
spies, English traitors, patriotic peasants and pompous relatives and you have a riotous, romantic adventure.

For king and country.