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La Petite Four
Excited about attending the big Coming-Out Ball, the happiness of three best friends is put to the test when Lord Robert causes a scandal that could greatly affect their chances for finding true love, in a coming-of-age tale set in 19th-century London.
231 pages, Paperback
First published May 29, 2008
6 people are currently reading
309 people want to read
About the author
Regina Scott
128 books1,007 followersRegina Scott started writing novels in the third grade. Thankfully for literature as we know it, she didn’t actually sell her first novel until she had learned a bit more about writing. Since her first Regency romance was published in 1998, her stories have traveled the globe, with translations in many languages including Dutch, German, Italian, and Portuguese. She is now the author of more than 50 works of warm, witty historical romance.
She and her husband of 30 years reside in Washington State on the way to Mt. Rainier. Regina Scott has driven four in hand, learned to fence, sailed on a tall ship, and dressed as a Regency dandy, all in the name of research, of course. Sign up for her free alert service to hear when the next book will be out or on sale at https://subscribe.reginascott.com/. You can find her online blogging at www.nineteenteen.com. Learn more about her at www.reginascott.com and connect with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authorreginascott .
She and her husband of 30 years reside in Washington State on the way to Mt. Rainier. Regina Scott has driven four in hand, learned to fence, sailed on a tall ship, and dressed as a Regency dandy, all in the name of research, of course. Sign up for her free alert service to hear when the next book will be out or on sale at https://subscribe.reginascott.com/. You can find her online blogging at www.nineteenteen.com. Learn more about her at www.reginascott.com and connect with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authorreginascott .
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
August 18, 2008
Scott, Regina. 2008. La Petite Four.
Lady Emily Southwell, trained from birth to be the refined daughter of a duke, did the unthinkable. (2)
I had every intention in the world of loving this one. I did. When I heard there was a YA Regency Romance being published, I wasn't just vaguely interested, I was happy. I was eager. I love Regency romances, mostly. Austen. Heyer. Quinn. I'm so there. (Jane Austen, Georgette Heyer, Julia Quinn.) Another fun Regency title (for adults) that I discovered this year was Rules of Gentility by Janet Mullany. But this one just felt off for me. It felt a bit modern, a bit rushed, a bit silly, a bit underdeveloped. It's the story of four best friends who are preparing for their first season. Emily. Daphne. Priscilla. Ariadne. But for me, these characters weren't distinct enough to distinguish among. They all blurred together. Even Emily.
But even more problematic for me than the indistinguishable heroines is the plotting. It's flimsy at best. When Emily is told she's to marry a gentleman, Lord Robert, she takes an instant dislike to him. With no real reasoning, no real logic, she comes to the conclusion that Robert is a criminal. And she seeks to convince her three friends of this as well. Here we have the "mystery" element of the story. But for me, I had no proof other than the whim of an immature and often whiny "child" (disguised as a young woman) that Robert was a suspicious-- no, dangerous--character. Her only reasoning a) she doesn't want to get married b) he won't let her go to a Ball c) he thinks her paintings are silly. I can see why she might dislike him. But you can't logically jump from "I don't like you." to "I think you're a criminal." (There are plenty of people that I've met through the years that I've disliked based on first impressions. I've never once leaped to the conclusion that they must be a criminal mastermind. And then proceeded to try to prove it to have that person arrested.) The whole novel revolves around this must-prove-Robert-to-be-a-criminal plot. For this reader to find the book enjoyable, believable, there needs to be clues laid throughout the book--undeniable proof that crimes are being committed and clues and motivations and intent presented. There's none of that until the grand finale of a climax.
So as a mystery, it is a bit weak. When it comes to romance, well, it's a bit sudden and rushed as well. There is a hero--other than Robert--involved, but he seems to pop up and disappear erratically. He's a convenient hero. But he goes from mere acquaintance to soul mate a bit too quickly and without too much development. There is no wooing really. No scenes of courtship. Again Emily is just making a giant leap. My guess is that this hero-she-proclaims-to-love-truly is just a way to escape (and irritate) Robert.
Initial thoughts on the cover: I know the cover is nice, pink and frilly. But it doesn't work for me at all. I see this cover and I don't think "Regency England" I think prom. (Or perhaps I think bride's maid. Or Barbie.) From the half-decapitated model with the glistening gloss on the lips to the wispy wavy hair and the strapless--yes, strapless--pink ball gown. It looks like something from David's Bridal. When I think Regency, I think empire waist gowns. I think most people do. True, I just did a fact check which said that waistlines were lowering and tightening by around 1825, but still this dress doesn't feel right for the era. This image is, for example, from 1823. I don't think the cover will turn away many readers, in fact it may draw in modern readers. But for me, personally, the cover did some damage to the legitimacy of the book. I don't blame Scott for this, however, since covers are rarely the design or brainchild of the author. Her other novels, all adult Regency novels, have fashion appropriate enough for the era.
For fans of Luxe and Rumours, this may work as "historical" fiction. But it didn't quite work for me.
Note: There are three factors that might bias my review a bit. 1) The cover. It's awful. 2) I read this book over a period of three weeks. A chapter or two at a time. This can taint a reading. It might be why I found the characters so indistinguishably whiny. 3) I've read several Austen novels, several Quinn novels, and several Heyer novels this past year. It's hard to go from the really really good stuff to something that feels a bit mediocre without making some comparisons. But one could easily make the argument that a 12 to 14 year old is a lot less likely to have a familiarity with Austen and Heyer and therefore would not find this as lacking.
The good news? I am almost exclusively finding positive reviews (on the blogs) for this one. Apparently, I'm the only one that read this and had a Miss Cranky Pants reaction.
Lady Emily Southwell, trained from birth to be the refined daughter of a duke, did the unthinkable. (2)
I had every intention in the world of loving this one. I did. When I heard there was a YA Regency Romance being published, I wasn't just vaguely interested, I was happy. I was eager. I love Regency romances, mostly. Austen. Heyer. Quinn. I'm so there. (Jane Austen, Georgette Heyer, Julia Quinn.) Another fun Regency title (for adults) that I discovered this year was Rules of Gentility by Janet Mullany. But this one just felt off for me. It felt a bit modern, a bit rushed, a bit silly, a bit underdeveloped. It's the story of four best friends who are preparing for their first season. Emily. Daphne. Priscilla. Ariadne. But for me, these characters weren't distinct enough to distinguish among. They all blurred together. Even Emily.
But even more problematic for me than the indistinguishable heroines is the plotting. It's flimsy at best. When Emily is told she's to marry a gentleman, Lord Robert, she takes an instant dislike to him. With no real reasoning, no real logic, she comes to the conclusion that Robert is a criminal. And she seeks to convince her three friends of this as well. Here we have the "mystery" element of the story. But for me, I had no proof other than the whim of an immature and often whiny "child" (disguised as a young woman) that Robert was a suspicious-- no, dangerous--character. Her only reasoning a) she doesn't want to get married b) he won't let her go to a Ball c) he thinks her paintings are silly. I can see why she might dislike him. But you can't logically jump from "I don't like you." to "I think you're a criminal." (There are plenty of people that I've met through the years that I've disliked based on first impressions. I've never once leaped to the conclusion that they must be a criminal mastermind. And then proceeded to try to prove it to have that person arrested.) The whole novel revolves around this must-prove-Robert-to-be-a-criminal plot. For this reader to find the book enjoyable, believable, there needs to be clues laid throughout the book--undeniable proof that crimes are being committed and clues and motivations and intent presented. There's none of that until the grand finale of a climax.
So as a mystery, it is a bit weak. When it comes to romance, well, it's a bit sudden and rushed as well. There is a hero--other than Robert--involved, but he seems to pop up and disappear erratically. He's a convenient hero. But he goes from mere acquaintance to soul mate a bit too quickly and without too much development. There is no wooing really. No scenes of courtship. Again Emily is just making a giant leap. My guess is that this hero-she-proclaims-to-love-truly is just a way to escape (and irritate) Robert.
Initial thoughts on the cover: I know the cover is nice, pink and frilly. But it doesn't work for me at all. I see this cover and I don't think "Regency England" I think prom. (Or perhaps I think bride's maid. Or Barbie.) From the half-decapitated model with the glistening gloss on the lips to the wispy wavy hair and the strapless--yes, strapless--pink ball gown. It looks like something from David's Bridal. When I think Regency, I think empire waist gowns. I think most people do. True, I just did a fact check which said that waistlines were lowering and tightening by around 1825, but still this dress doesn't feel right for the era. This image is, for example, from 1823. I don't think the cover will turn away many readers, in fact it may draw in modern readers. But for me, personally, the cover did some damage to the legitimacy of the book. I don't blame Scott for this, however, since covers are rarely the design or brainchild of the author. Her other novels, all adult Regency novels, have fashion appropriate enough for the era.
For fans of Luxe and Rumours, this may work as "historical" fiction. But it didn't quite work for me.
Note: There are three factors that might bias my review a bit. 1) The cover. It's awful. 2) I read this book over a period of three weeks. A chapter or two at a time. This can taint a reading. It might be why I found the characters so indistinguishably whiny. 3) I've read several Austen novels, several Quinn novels, and several Heyer novels this past year. It's hard to go from the really really good stuff to something that feels a bit mediocre without making some comparisons. But one could easily make the argument that a 12 to 14 year old is a lot less likely to have a familiarity with Austen and Heyer and therefore would not find this as lacking.
The good news? I am almost exclusively finding positive reviews (on the blogs) for this one. Apparently, I'm the only one that read this and had a Miss Cranky Pants reaction.
July 23, 2016
I can’t remember how I came upon this book, but I’m glad I did. It was an enjoyable story with likable characters. It reminded me a lot of a few others books (The Season, Aurelia, And Only to Deceive), and those stories kept running through my mind as I read La Petite Four. Emily and her three best friends have been planning their coming out ball for ages, and when Emily’s long-time betrothed shows up and cancels Emily’s plans she decides she needs to get out of the engagement. The four become detectives as they follow Lord Robert around trying to uncover any secret that could end Emily’s engagement. It was a fun story, with mystery and a little romance.
**Republished as Art and Artifice
**Republished as Art and Artifice
October 26, 2008
Emily Southwell and her friends are finally graduating and looking forward to their Season in the spotlight! Their coming out ball is sure to thrust the girls into the extravagant life of nineteenth century London society. Lord Robert Townsend has other plans and announces his engagement to Lady Emily, ruining her plans.
Her father insists that the match is made and she should accept her future. Even if that means giving up her dreams of being an artist and joining the Royal Society for the Beaux Arts. She decides that she must take matters into her own hands and find a flaw that would make Lord Robert unfit to be her husband.
In her advances to discredit Lord Robert she often finds herself in the company of Mr. James Cropper who also seems to have a vendetta against Lord Robert. With the help of her three friends, La Petite Four, may be able to rescue Emily from the pending marriage and attend her lavish ball.
This was a great read! I love historical fiction and La Petite Four is a wonderful addition to the genre! Regina Scott is an awesome writer! I really enjoyed this book and I hope she continues with books for Young Adults. La Petite Four has a little bit of everything; mystery, suspense, romance and of course really beautiful dresses! The plot is interesting and captivating. It took Emily and me the same time to figure out exactly what was going on with Lord Robert. The story is told beautifully without being overbearing as some historical fiction novels can be. I thoroughly enjoyed these characters as well. Although I would have liked getting to know more about Ariadne, and Daphne, even so I enjoyed their parts as supporting characters. And if I judged books by their covers (okay I do sometimes, I know you do too!) I would totally pick this one up! So yes after my last couple mediocre reviews, I’ve found a book that is worthy of the GREAT READ status!
Her father insists that the match is made and she should accept her future. Even if that means giving up her dreams of being an artist and joining the Royal Society for the Beaux Arts. She decides that she must take matters into her own hands and find a flaw that would make Lord Robert unfit to be her husband.
In her advances to discredit Lord Robert she often finds herself in the company of Mr. James Cropper who also seems to have a vendetta against Lord Robert. With the help of her three friends, La Petite Four, may be able to rescue Emily from the pending marriage and attend her lavish ball.
This was a great read! I love historical fiction and La Petite Four is a wonderful addition to the genre! Regina Scott is an awesome writer! I really enjoyed this book and I hope she continues with books for Young Adults. La Petite Four has a little bit of everything; mystery, suspense, romance and of course really beautiful dresses! The plot is interesting and captivating. It took Emily and me the same time to figure out exactly what was going on with Lord Robert. The story is told beautifully without being overbearing as some historical fiction novels can be. I thoroughly enjoyed these characters as well. Although I would have liked getting to know more about Ariadne, and Daphne, even so I enjoyed their parts as supporting characters. And if I judged books by their covers (okay I do sometimes, I know you do too!) I would totally pick this one up! So yes after my last couple mediocre reviews, I’ve found a book that is worthy of the GREAT READ status!
March 21, 2012
This is one of those books where I feel like another good, hard edit or two would've made it a real gem. As it is, LA PETITE FOUR is...well, it's hard to feel very strongly about it one way or another. The plot is a bit messy, but the real problem is the characters. There's just no real depth to any of them: it's hard to tell any of the girls apart, or to feel any particular investment in the problems they face, or to see why they or the supporting characters are doing anything at all, for that matter. I suspect this is where a lot of the plot's apparent messiness (throughout, I'd find myself saying "wait, what? Why would anyone assume THAT? Where are they getting THIS from?") comes from: it's hard for a plot to advance when the characters involved don't seem to have consistent motivations. The love story was...well, again, a lot of the problems arise from the flat characters: neither of the men Emily's ostensibly torn between is much more compelling OR repulsive than your average dinner plate, and Emily has about as much chemistry with them. There's also a TON of exposition-dumping, both in and out of dialog tags.
All in all, this was pretty disappointing, not least because I'd LOVE more decent Regency romps, especially if there are teenaged girls preventing murders involved.
All in all, this was pretty disappointing, not least because I'd LOVE more decent Regency romps, especially if there are teenaged girls preventing murders involved.
October 4, 2012
La Petite Four is about four friends who are ready to come out into society, when one of them learns she is to be married quite quickly. She tries to convince Lord Robert to let her go to her friend's ball, but he turns the idea down. The four friends set out to try and find something to use to break the engagement and find themselves in all sorts of situations. I thought it was quite funny at times and was a fun story, with a little bit of mystery and a dash of romance.
Content: clean.
Content: clean.
October 16, 2018
It wasn't bad precisely. But there were too many weak points of typical Regency romances, nowadays written.
It was too predictable. Girls that I liked in Secrets and Sensibilities here I found boring or/and annoying. The plot and characters seemed to be complex but I had the feeling that all was too flat. I know it was rather for young adults but still.
Yes, I did finish it but mostly because it was short and the reading went fast.
It was too predictable. Girls that I liked in Secrets and Sensibilities here I found boring or/and annoying. The plot and characters seemed to be complex but I had the feeling that all was too flat. I know it was rather for young adults but still.
Yes, I did finish it but mostly because it was short and the reading went fast.
October 26, 2016
Sweet but a little predictable. In a nutshell the book is about a group of 4 friends who become convinced that the man Lady Emily is betrothed to is a criminal and try to find evidence that he is guilty.
I wasn't clear why they suspected Lord Robert - it just seemed like Emily decided he was a criminal and that was the end of it. The four friends (the la petit four of the title) didn't have much character development so it was hard to tell them apart, especially the sisters.
This is a YA regency historical romance, so I know some suspension of disbelief is required but I found the ending very far fetched.
I wasn't clear why they suspected Lord Robert - it just seemed like Emily decided he was a criminal and that was the end of it. The four friends (the la petit four of the title) didn't have much character development so it was hard to tell them apart, especially the sisters.
This is a YA regency historical romance, so I know some suspension of disbelief is required but I found the ending very far fetched.
June 27, 2010
This was a really cute book. A little predictable, but fun to see the drama unfold.
August 2, 2009
Lady Emily and her best friends from boarding school, Priscilla, Ariadne, and Daphne, are all ready to graduate and head back to their homes in nineteenth century London. They’re even more excited for Priscilla’s coming out ball, which they all are planning on attending. That is until Emily learns that she is engaged to Lord Robert Townsend. This puts a damper on all of the girls’ plans as Lord Robert is not planning on attending the ball and doesn’t think Emily will be either. While Emily doesn’t think that the marriage will work, her father thinks it is a match made in heaven and fails to honor Emily’s request to cancel the engagement. Emily knows that if she is ever going to be a member of the Royal Society of Beaux Arts and go to Priscilla’s ball that she will simply have to take matters into her own hands. With the help of her best friends, Emily sets off to find something that will prove that Lord Robert will not be a good husband. What Emily finds not only surprises her, but also helps her find something she’s been longing for, love.
I cannot express the way I felt about this book in one word, but I will try. This book was truly AMAZING! Actually, the book is more than amazing, it’s fantastic, superior, radiant, and any other synonym you can think of! – now can you tell how much I loved this book?! I am always up for a historical fiction and this book certainly lived up and surpassed every expectation I had of it. I mean it contained mystery, suspense and love. What more could a girl ask for? Regina Scott created a great story where the characters were three dimensional and you felt like you were walking the cobbled streets of nineteenth century England. I especially loved Emily’s character. I could feel the sarcasm in her words and felt her sadness when she was grieving over not attending the ball. While I had my hunches as to what Lord Robert was up to, there were always little twists and turns that kept me second guessing myself until the moment was revealed. Regina Scott has definitely found her niche in the YA world and I’m crossing my fingers and toes that there will be more adventures with La Petite Four. I really just cannot get over how good this book is! I urge you all to scurry to your closest book provider and get this book as it is….AMAZING!!!
I cannot express the way I felt about this book in one word, but I will try. This book was truly AMAZING! Actually, the book is more than amazing, it’s fantastic, superior, radiant, and any other synonym you can think of! – now can you tell how much I loved this book?! I am always up for a historical fiction and this book certainly lived up and surpassed every expectation I had of it. I mean it contained mystery, suspense and love. What more could a girl ask for? Regina Scott created a great story where the characters were three dimensional and you felt like you were walking the cobbled streets of nineteenth century England. I especially loved Emily’s character. I could feel the sarcasm in her words and felt her sadness when she was grieving over not attending the ball. While I had my hunches as to what Lord Robert was up to, there were always little twists and turns that kept me second guessing myself until the moment was revealed. Regina Scott has definitely found her niche in the YA world and I’m crossing my fingers and toes that there will be more adventures with La Petite Four. I really just cannot get over how good this book is! I urge you all to scurry to your closest book provider and get this book as it is….AMAZING!!!
October 12, 2010
Definitely a fun read. I really loved the lead characters!
June 30, 2017
A lovely story about 4 friends which each have a very distinctive personality and bring something to the group dynamic...throw in some mystery and some unwanted romance - and maybe some wanted romance - and it's a wonderful, quick to read book. Thoroughly enjoyed it!
January 28, 2025
Predictable, but super cute story! Reminded me of Bridgeton!
June 29, 2008
Reviewed by Tasha for TeensReadToo.com
Lady Emily and her best friends from boarding school, Priscilla, Ariadne, and Daphne, are all ready to graduate and head back to their homes in nineteenth-century London. They're even more excited for Priscilla's coming-out ball, which they all are planning on attending. That is, until Emily learns that she is engaged to Lord Robert Townsend.
This puts a damper on all of the girls' plans, as Lord Robert is not planning on attending the ball and doesn't think Emily will be there, either. While Emily doesn't think that the marriage will work, her father thinks it is a match made in heaven and fails to honor Emily's request to cancel the engagement. Emily knows that if she is ever going to be a member of the Royal Society of Beaux Arts and go to Priscilla's ball, she will simply have to take matters into her own hands.
With the help of her best friends, Emily sets off to find something that will prove that Lord Robert will not be a good husband. What Emily finds not only surprises her, but also helps her find something she's been longing for -- true love.
I cannot express the way I felt about this book in one word, but I will try. This book was truly AMAZING! Actually, the book is more than amazing; it's fantastic, superior, radiant, and any other synonym you can think of! Now can you tell how much I loved this book?!
I am always up for historical fiction, and this book certainly lived up to and surpassed every expectation I had of it. I mean it contained mystery, suspense, and love. What more could a girl ask for? Regina Scott created a great story where the characters were three-dimensional and you felt like you were walking the cobbled streets of nineteenth-century England.
I especially loved Emily's character. I could feel the sarcasm in her words and felt her sadness when she was grieving over not attending the ball. While I had my hunches as to what Lord Robert was up to, there were always little twists and turns that kept me second guessing myself until the moment was revealed. Regina Scott has definitely found her niche in the YA world, and I'm crossing my fingers and toes that there will be more adventures with the La Petite Four.
I really just cannot get over how good this book is! I urge you all to scurry to your closest book provider and pick up a copy of LA PETITE FOUR, as it is....AMAZING!!!
Lady Emily and her best friends from boarding school, Priscilla, Ariadne, and Daphne, are all ready to graduate and head back to their homes in nineteenth-century London. They're even more excited for Priscilla's coming-out ball, which they all are planning on attending. That is, until Emily learns that she is engaged to Lord Robert Townsend.
This puts a damper on all of the girls' plans, as Lord Robert is not planning on attending the ball and doesn't think Emily will be there, either. While Emily doesn't think that the marriage will work, her father thinks it is a match made in heaven and fails to honor Emily's request to cancel the engagement. Emily knows that if she is ever going to be a member of the Royal Society of Beaux Arts and go to Priscilla's ball, she will simply have to take matters into her own hands.
With the help of her best friends, Emily sets off to find something that will prove that Lord Robert will not be a good husband. What Emily finds not only surprises her, but also helps her find something she's been longing for -- true love.
I cannot express the way I felt about this book in one word, but I will try. This book was truly AMAZING! Actually, the book is more than amazing; it's fantastic, superior, radiant, and any other synonym you can think of! Now can you tell how much I loved this book?!
I am always up for historical fiction, and this book certainly lived up to and surpassed every expectation I had of it. I mean it contained mystery, suspense, and love. What more could a girl ask for? Regina Scott created a great story where the characters were three-dimensional and you felt like you were walking the cobbled streets of nineteenth-century England.
I especially loved Emily's character. I could feel the sarcasm in her words and felt her sadness when she was grieving over not attending the ball. While I had my hunches as to what Lord Robert was up to, there were always little twists and turns that kept me second guessing myself until the moment was revealed. Regina Scott has definitely found her niche in the YA world, and I'm crossing my fingers and toes that there will be more adventures with the La Petite Four.
I really just cannot get over how good this book is! I urge you all to scurry to your closest book provider and pick up a copy of LA PETITE FOUR, as it is....AMAZING!!!
March 23, 2016
Lady Emily is determined to be belle of the ball in this irresistible romantic romp.
La Petite Four is the sweet, playful tale of sixteen-year-old Lady Emily's self-discovery on her way to finding love and having a ball - literally!
Emily and her three best friends can't wait for the year's biggest party: the Coming-Out Ball that will plunge them into the seductions, scandals, and decadence of nineteenth-century London Society. But when dashing Lord Robert puts a wrinkle in their plans, Emily and her crew hatch an investigation to expose his dark side - move which puts them right in the path of the stubborn, yet curiously attractive James Cropper. Readers will have to fluff up their ball gowns and hang on to their corsets as Emily decides between Robert and James, love and independence, and ultimately discovers just how far she'll go to follow her own heart.
Well it's been quite awhile since I last read this book but I do vaguely remember it. While there were a few things that made it an easy and somewhat enjoyable read there were many times I kinda had to pause every now and then. The reason this often happened was mainly because of who was automatically the bad guy Lord Robert. He immediately becomes a bad guy because he ruins the plans of Emily and her friends for the Coming Out ball by coming to arrangements with Emily's father and asking for her hand. While Emily and her friends have no problem coming up with ways to expose Lord Roberts dark side, they really have no basis to do this other than Robert inconveniencing them and even though Emily's father loves her dearly she can't find it in her self to talk to him about her nothing wanting to marry Robert... but sneaky and unwieldly plans are not a bother at all apparently>>.
Of course this is YA so one does have to suspend some disbelief. However, I wish that they would have either talked more or explained how any match with James Cooper and Emily would have been able to happen considering the difference in their stations and the scandal in Cooper's lineage. I mean I'm all for the seemingly impossible romance but they kinda leave you hanging on that despite us knowing that they're romantically inclined towards each other by the end.
All in all it's a good and easy read but I was a tad disappointed in the unfulfilled potential of this.
La Petite Four is the sweet, playful tale of sixteen-year-old Lady Emily's self-discovery on her way to finding love and having a ball - literally!
Emily and her three best friends can't wait for the year's biggest party: the Coming-Out Ball that will plunge them into the seductions, scandals, and decadence of nineteenth-century London Society. But when dashing Lord Robert puts a wrinkle in their plans, Emily and her crew hatch an investigation to expose his dark side - move which puts them right in the path of the stubborn, yet curiously attractive James Cropper. Readers will have to fluff up their ball gowns and hang on to their corsets as Emily decides between Robert and James, love and independence, and ultimately discovers just how far she'll go to follow her own heart.
Well it's been quite awhile since I last read this book but I do vaguely remember it. While there were a few things that made it an easy and somewhat enjoyable read there were many times I kinda had to pause every now and then. The reason this often happened was mainly because of who was automatically the bad guy Lord Robert. He immediately becomes a bad guy because he ruins the plans of Emily and her friends for the Coming Out ball by coming to arrangements with Emily's father and asking for her hand. While Emily and her friends have no problem coming up with ways to expose Lord Roberts dark side, they really have no basis to do this other than Robert inconveniencing them and even though Emily's father loves her dearly she can't find it in her self to talk to him about her nothing wanting to marry Robert... but sneaky and unwieldly plans are not a bother at all apparently>>.
Of course this is YA so one does have to suspend some disbelief. However, I wish that they would have either talked more or explained how any match with James Cooper and Emily would have been able to happen considering the difference in their stations and the scandal in Cooper's lineage. I mean I'm all for the seemingly impossible romance but they kinda leave you hanging on that despite us knowing that they're romantically inclined towards each other by the end.
All in all it's a good and easy read but I was a tad disappointed in the unfulfilled potential of this.
June 17, 2008
Lady Emily and her best friends Priscilla, Ariadne, and Daphne make up La Petite Four. Their dream is to throw an unforgettable ball to mark their debut into Good Society. However, their plans are dashed when Lord Robert announces his intentions to marry Lady Emily, which for some reason requires their marriage to take place within a little over a week and prevents Lady Emily’s attendance of the ball. La Petite Four are appalled; they’ve been planning this ball for ages! And since Lady Emily detests the very thought of marrying this man, La Petite Four take it upon themselves to discover Lord Robert’s secrets or anything that will stop Lady Emily’s impending marriage. But when this investigation turns out to be more dangerous than just traipsing all over London, La Petite Four know they must reveal the secret before it’s too late.
I will begin by saying that La Petite Four is a slightly misleading title as the story is mainly about Lady Emily and not focused on the exploits of the four friends; however, I did think that name of their little clique of friends was adorable. La Petite Four was a cute blend of high society, friendship, daring escapades, and even danger. I found it amusing to follow the four friends around as they tried to find Lord Robert’s secret only to come up with false accusations until the very end. I was a little disappointed that the characters weren’t very developed; often I felt that certain characteristics were forced upon me or just snuck in, but that didn’t make the story less enjoyable. I felt that the story focused mainly on plot, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but characterization would’ve made the story much better. However, I really loved the historical angle of the novel, and especially how it affected the rights and roles of women.
La Petite Four was good but not the best. I felt it was a small step down from several of my favorite historical novels, like The Luxe by Anna Godbersen and the A Great and Terrible Beauty series by Libba Bray. However, it was a very entertaining, enjoyable, and light read. Fans of Marissa Doyle’s Bewitching Season will like this non-magical version of London’s high society.
reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com
I will begin by saying that La Petite Four is a slightly misleading title as the story is mainly about Lady Emily and not focused on the exploits of the four friends; however, I did think that name of their little clique of friends was adorable. La Petite Four was a cute blend of high society, friendship, daring escapades, and even danger. I found it amusing to follow the four friends around as they tried to find Lord Robert’s secret only to come up with false accusations until the very end. I was a little disappointed that the characters weren’t very developed; often I felt that certain characteristics were forced upon me or just snuck in, but that didn’t make the story less enjoyable. I felt that the story focused mainly on plot, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but characterization would’ve made the story much better. However, I really loved the historical angle of the novel, and especially how it affected the rights and roles of women.
La Petite Four was good but not the best. I felt it was a small step down from several of my favorite historical novels, like The Luxe by Anna Godbersen and the A Great and Terrible Beauty series by Libba Bray. However, it was a very entertaining, enjoyable, and light read. Fans of Marissa Doyle’s Bewitching Season will like this non-magical version of London’s high society.
reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com
May 16, 2010
La Petite Four's Lady Emily (daughter of the duke) has just graduated from Barnsley School for Young Ladies with her three best friends- Priscilla, Ariadne and Daphne. Lady Emily has plans for her debut into London's most famous group of artists, until Lord Robert, the man she is betrothed to stops her from attending a ball that she and her friends had been planning for so long. As she tries to prove to her father, the Duke, that Lord Robert is not suitable to marry the daughter of the duke, she meets James Cooper, a man who had been following her and protecting her from danger. And to her surprise, she has a new feeling towards Mr. Cooper.
Even though I'm a huge fan of historical fiction, and this book is historical fiction, it took quite a while for me to get into the story line. This book drags out the beginning longer than it should have and I believe that the action that was in the story was not exciting and did not keep me glued to the pages. I also thought that the characters in the story were not fully developed, for example, Lady Emily had some actions that seemed as though the author forced in, making those actions not fit her personality. Besides these, I loved how the plot was described and how there are so many plot twisters. I would recommend this book to anybody who has read The Luxe and those who are interested in royalty or historical fiction.
Even though I'm a huge fan of historical fiction, and this book is historical fiction, it took quite a while for me to get into the story line. This book drags out the beginning longer than it should have and I believe that the action that was in the story was not exciting and did not keep me glued to the pages. I also thought that the characters in the story were not fully developed, for example, Lady Emily had some actions that seemed as though the author forced in, making those actions not fit her personality. Besides these, I loved how the plot was described and how there are so many plot twisters. I would recommend this book to anybody who has read The Luxe and those who are interested in royalty or historical fiction.
March 22, 2016
Art And Artifice by Regina Scott (rewritten and self-published)
Lady Emily Capers Series Book Two
In the first book; Secrets and Sensibilities, four young women go with their chaperone to Brentfield Manor and end up with a mystery on their hands. Now the girls; Lady Emily Southwell, Priscilla Tate, Daphne and Ariadne Courdebas are back in London for their first Season.
Lady Emily Southwell is the daughter of a duke. It may sound all good and well but there are some negatives as well. Emily finds she is engaged to a man she barely knows and he doesn't want to wait to marry. His Grace, her father, thinks it a perfect match and is unbendable. Emily and her friends don their spy caps once again to find some dirt on her betrothed.
James "Jamie" Cropper is a Bow Street Runner. As such, he knows that he could never court and no less marry a duke's daughter. But he can save her from an unwanted marriage. He suspects her betrothed of no good, but has yet to prove it. Or is it just something personal from his past that wants to find Lord Robert guilty?
Mystery, humor, and romance in one book. I've enjoyed these first two books in this series and look forward to reading the rest of this series.
**Parts of this book previously published as La Petite Four by Penguin Razorbill
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
Lady Emily Capers Series Book Two
In the first book; Secrets and Sensibilities, four young women go with their chaperone to Brentfield Manor and end up with a mystery on their hands. Now the girls; Lady Emily Southwell, Priscilla Tate, Daphne and Ariadne Courdebas are back in London for their first Season.
Lady Emily Southwell is the daughter of a duke. It may sound all good and well but there are some negatives as well. Emily finds she is engaged to a man she barely knows and he doesn't want to wait to marry. His Grace, her father, thinks it a perfect match and is unbendable. Emily and her friends don their spy caps once again to find some dirt on her betrothed.
James "Jamie" Cropper is a Bow Street Runner. As such, he knows that he could never court and no less marry a duke's daughter. But he can save her from an unwanted marriage. He suspects her betrothed of no good, but has yet to prove it. Or is it just something personal from his past that wants to find Lord Robert guilty?
Mystery, humor, and romance in one book. I've enjoyed these first two books in this series and look forward to reading the rest of this series.
**Parts of this book previously published as La Petite Four by Penguin Razorbill
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
June 29, 2012
La petite four- the small four- not exactly sure why they call themselves that but it was a good book regardless!
The bad parts first: there were multiple grammar errors that I noticed throughout the book but that reflects badly on the editors, not the writer. The story was kind of predictable; the person that the characters assumed was the villain turned out to be the villain (shocker) I found myself wanting the hero to turn out to be the villain just so it wouldn't be so predictable despite the twists that were thrown in. And there were plot twists which shook up the story. The one thing that irritated me is that while the two main characters knew each other for a week and even though they flirted a little, by the end of the book they seemed determined that they were in love with each other. It didn't make sense to me; they knew next to nothing about each other yet a couple of days seemed to convince them of themselves.
The good parts: the book had plenty of twists to keep you guessing and the main characters were individual and interesting. The writer really seemed to have done her research because the way she wrote showed sophistication like how people spoke in that time period.
The bad parts first: there were multiple grammar errors that I noticed throughout the book but that reflects badly on the editors, not the writer. The story was kind of predictable; the person that the characters assumed was the villain turned out to be the villain (shocker) I found myself wanting the hero to turn out to be the villain just so it wouldn't be so predictable despite the twists that were thrown in. And there were plot twists which shook up the story. The one thing that irritated me is that while the two main characters knew each other for a week and even though they flirted a little, by the end of the book they seemed determined that they were in love with each other. It didn't make sense to me; they knew next to nothing about each other yet a couple of days seemed to convince them of themselves.
The good parts: the book had plenty of twists to keep you guessing and the main characters were individual and interesting. The writer really seemed to have done her research because the way she wrote showed sophistication like how people spoke in that time period.
October 3, 2009
Lady Emily Southwell and her three best friends - Priscilla, Ariadne and Daphne - are known together as La Petite Four. Following their graduation from the Barnsley School for Young Ladies, they decide to plan the best coming-out ball of the season for Emily’s debut into Regency England society.
What wasn’t part of the plans, however, was Emily’s father betrothing her to the horrible Lord Robert. Emily and her friends are determined to find some way to stop the engagement. They decide to investigate Lord Robert to see if he is involved in anything that would cause Emily’s father to want to cancel the betrothal. Their investigation leads to adventure, danger, and an unexpected romance for Emily.
La Petite Four is a light and entertaining historical romance for teens set in Regency England. The mystery is a bit predictable as it is rather obvious from the beginning that Lord Robert is up to something sinister. However, it is still an enjoyable story that should appeal to readers looking for a quick and fun historical read, and who enjoyed books such as The Season by Sarah MacLean, Bewitching Season by Marissa Doyle, and The Luxe series by Anna Godbersen.
What wasn’t part of the plans, however, was Emily’s father betrothing her to the horrible Lord Robert. Emily and her friends are determined to find some way to stop the engagement. They decide to investigate Lord Robert to see if he is involved in anything that would cause Emily’s father to want to cancel the betrothal. Their investigation leads to adventure, danger, and an unexpected romance for Emily.
La Petite Four is a light and entertaining historical romance for teens set in Regency England. The mystery is a bit predictable as it is rather obvious from the beginning that Lord Robert is up to something sinister. However, it is still an enjoyable story that should appeal to readers looking for a quick and fun historical read, and who enjoyed books such as The Season by Sarah MacLean, Bewitching Season by Marissa Doyle, and The Luxe series by Anna Godbersen.
November 9, 2008
Lady Emily has just graduated from a prestigious finishing school and she has grand plans for her life. She'll exhibit her art at her friend Priscilla's coming-out ball. She'll be invited to join London's most famous group of artists. She'll paint beautiful masterpieces and be a famous artist for the rest of her happy life. Unfortunately, her father has other plans for her and arranges for her to marry Lord Robert, a cad she hasn't even seen since they were children together (and she didn't much like him then). As Emily and her friends attempt to prove that Robert is a criminal unfit for marriage to a duke's daughter, Emily works on her art and discovers a new boy who is much more appealing.
I so wanted to like this book, but it really fell flat. Emily's motivations seemed really shallow and her friends (together the four of them make up "La Petite Four") are never very well developed as characters. I assume it's supposed to be a light and fluffly romance/mystery and it was, but I really just didn't care about any of the characters and that made this a rather painful read.
I so wanted to like this book, but it really fell flat. Emily's motivations seemed really shallow and her friends (together the four of them make up "La Petite Four") are never very well developed as characters. I assume it's supposed to be a light and fluffly romance/mystery and it was, but I really just didn't care about any of the characters and that made this a rather painful read.
December 5, 2016
I really wanted to like this book, but the plot was kind of silly. Emily couldn't seem to find her backbone. She doesn't try very hard to convince her father that the arranged marriage would make her unhappy. Her friends are kind of useless because they get distracted by every man that passes their way. I felt like there was little chemistry between Emily and Jamie. Their romance is based off of four or five scenes and they never really get to know each other. The book ends with them saying the love each other, but there is no resolution to their romance. No discussion of how a Duke's daughter could end up with a bow street runner. Perhaps the author had no clue how to make that acceptable either, so she just ended the book there. If you want to read a better YA regency romance, I would recommend Marissa Doyle's Leland Sisters series, or Sarah MacLean's The Season.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2011
I thought the plot was really good and interesting. I wish the historical context was given a bit more obviously, especially on the back cover where I wasn't exactly sure if it was historical or modern. The writing style isn't great at all. The about the author section says she normally writes adult romance novels, and it shows in an excess of adjectives and adverbs. But I liked it enough to finish it, and finish it quickly. It just took a while to get over the sentences themselves and enjoy the story.
P.S. My critique should be taken in with the consideration that I paused a re-read of Emma to read this one. And really, there shouldn't be any comparison allowed between those two books.
P.S. My critique should be taken in with the consideration that I paused a re-read of Emma to read this one. And really, there shouldn't be any comparison allowed between those two books.
October 24, 2008
Another one read in a single evening. It was fun, but kind of predictable. I found he descriptions of young men highly amusing, such as this one found on page 12:
"She glanced up and stared. His hair was the color of a sunset on a stormy day, red and gold and brown blending in a wild disarray, and his eyes were the gray of the storm. But his smile, well, his smile was positively wicked."
I was laughing aloud at that; it's just so romance-novel-y! It was also romance-like because two people fall "in love" in a week! And they're not even together that much! My favorite part of the novel was the whole Lord Snedley business.
"She glanced up and stared. His hair was the color of a sunset on a stormy day, red and gold and brown blending in a wild disarray, and his eyes were the gray of the storm. But his smile, well, his smile was positively wicked."
I was laughing aloud at that; it's just so romance-novel-y! It was also romance-like because two people fall "in love" in a week! And they're not even together that much! My favorite part of the novel was the whole Lord Snedley business.
October 24, 2008
For lightheartednovel, it's good enough. I wish that it's more detailed though or dwelved deeper on the character. It's too short and emotion wise only skimmed the surface. I think the only emotion that touched me is the one about ther mother.
Character wise, I love the heroine. And the cover is bothering me. The cover is beautiful and cute but it;s not correct. The heroine hated pink after all. Not once she wore anything resembling pastel color and she even said her distaste of pink. So why the cover is done in pink?!
The guy character is of course a hero character. But not enough details... sbout him. Not enough to make me remember him anyway.
Character wise, I love the heroine. And the cover is bothering me. The cover is beautiful and cute but it;s not correct. The heroine hated pink after all. Not once she wore anything resembling pastel color and she even said her distaste of pink. So why the cover is done in pink?!
The guy character is of course a hero character. But not enough details... sbout him. Not enough to make me remember him anyway.
April 6, 2009
This book was great for what I assume it was supposed to be: a light, fluffy, younger book. However, I did have a few problems with it. First, it jumped too much. Emily hates her fincee, so he's gotta have some kind of criminal tendencies or something she can use to get away from him. Second, the characters are a little flat. Finally, as a mystery it was vague. There was a lot of "right time, right place" going on verses "wow, I worked hard to find that information!" which I prefer. However, it was a cute little story, and I did like the hero, probably because he reminded me a little of Finn, from Shannon Hale's Goose Girl and Enna Burning.
February 2, 2011
I wrote as a comment to someone else's review that I really didn't like this book. I was about 25 pages into it at the time. The beginning seemed jumbled and didn't catch my interest. Around half way through, though, it picked up. I agree with the person whose post I commented on that the cover doesn't represent the book very well. It does look like a 21st century prom dress rather than something from the 19th century. Regency Era manners and customs are touched upon, but I didn't get a real sense of the time period. Emily and her friends seem more forward than how I imagine an early 19th century woman to be. I could be wrong, though.
June 13, 2012
Emily, Priscilla, Ariadne and Daphne know exactly how the ball that will present them to Society will go, and they have a number of plans for the Season. Unfortunately, Lord Robert announces his intention to marry Emily, making him an obstacle to the girls' debut. They set out to prove he's no good.
What follows is a charming, light mystery. The girls do little detecting; most of that is left to James Cooper, Emily's real love interest. And despite the title, this is really Emily's story. The other girls could be fleshed out quite a bit more. The story is fun enough, but it has the potential for more substance.
What follows is a charming, light mystery. The girls do little detecting; most of that is left to James Cooper, Emily's real love interest. And despite the title, this is really Emily's story. The other girls could be fleshed out quite a bit more. The story is fun enough, but it has the potential for more substance.
September 4, 2011
I thought the book was OK. It was a decent read, but it didn't really make an impression one way or the other.
The plot was pretty predictable from the start, and the storyline was OK but didn't stand out a lot. I found myself skimming a lot of parts because I found them kind of boring and i could go without the dialogue. It was interesting enough but didn't have be grinning or excited.
Still, I didn't regret reading it because curiosity would have gotten to me. I can put it up in my read shelf.
The plot was pretty predictable from the start, and the storyline was OK but didn't stand out a lot. I found myself skimming a lot of parts because I found them kind of boring and i could go without the dialogue. It was interesting enough but didn't have be grinning or excited.
Still, I didn't regret reading it because curiosity would have gotten to me. I can put it up in my read shelf.
June 9, 2011
Lady Emily and her three dearest friends have just graduated from Barnsley School for Young Women and they have big plans for their coming out season beginning with a grand ball. When Emily is betrothed to Lord Robert all their plans are in danger and none of the four have a good gut feeling about the young man. Something is amiss and they are determined to find out. All this is complicated by the appearance of the mysterious and enticing James Cropper.
March 14, 2013
The only way to describe this book is that it was "cute". It is set in nineteenth century London where four girls, newly graduated, set out to find the secrets of Lord Robert, a man set on marrying Emily. Emily does not want to be married at such a young age and feels that the sudden engagement is suspicious. The story reaches its climax at a ball one of the girls throws as their entrance to society.
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