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A Conformable Wife
Two young people compete in the game of love…
1814, Bath
“I promise you, she’s the most delightful creature, with a quirky sense of humour very like your own. As for the other qualities you mention – birth, breeding, experience of managing a household of consequence – she has them all, with amiability and common sense besides!”
So Henrietta Melville is described to the Honourable Julian Aldwyn, who is on the look-out for a wife who will prove restful after an earlier, disastrous love-affair.
But there’s much more to Miss Melville than meets the eye. Although she is a spirited and intelligent heiress, at twenty-six and still unmarried, she’s considered to be on the shelf.
Julian is certain his offer will not be refused.
But then comes a whirlwind month in Bath, a dastardly rake, secrets from the past ... all calculated to turn any woman’s head.
Could Henrietta become the conformable wife Julian is looking for? Or will someone else catch her eye…?
277 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1975
132 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Alice Chetwynd Ley
32 books54 followersBorn Alice Mary Chetwynd Humphrey on 12 October 1913 in Halifax, Yorkshire, England, UK, she studied at King Edward VI Grammar School in Birmingham. On 3 February 1945, she married Kenneth James Ley. They had two sons; Richard James Humphrey Ley and Graham Kenneth Hugh Ley.
She was a teacher at Harrow College of Higher Education. In 1962, she obtained a diploma in Sociology at London University, and was awarded the Gilchrist Award of 1962. She was a lecturer in Sociology and Social History, from 1968 to 1971.
Under her married name, Alice Chetwynd Ley, she published romance novels from 1959 to 1986. She was also tutor in Creative Writing, from 1962 to 1984. She was elected the sixth Chairman (1971-1973) of the Romantic Novelists' Association and was named an honoured Life Member.
Alice Chetwynd passed away in 2004.
She was a teacher at Harrow College of Higher Education. In 1962, she obtained a diploma in Sociology at London University, and was awarded the Gilchrist Award of 1962. She was a lecturer in Sociology and Social History, from 1968 to 1971.
Under her married name, Alice Chetwynd Ley, she published romance novels from 1959 to 1986. She was also tutor in Creative Writing, from 1962 to 1984. She was elected the sixth Chairman (1971-1973) of the Romantic Novelists' Association and was named an honoured Life Member.
Alice Chetwynd passed away in 2004.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
March 7, 2021
2.5*
A slow winded and slow-burn 'romance' of sorts.
(The h spends more time with the om and being impressed with him than the H.)
A slow winded and slow-burn 'romance' of sorts.
(The h spends more time with the om and being impressed with him than the H.)
August 18, 2020
2.5 stars
The Honorable Julian Aldwyn's father, Baron Aldwyn, is ill and wants to secure the sucession before he dies. Julian is thinking along the same lines. He needs an heir but the simpering debuntantes of London hold no appeal for him. He thinks perhaps an older lady, a spinster would be happy to have his title and wealth and bear his children. His sister, Almeria, happily married, asks about love. Julian doesn't believe in love. Years ago he had his heart broken and refuses to experience that emotion ever again. He believes a conformable wife will be just the thing. With that in mind, Almeria introduces her brother to her old friend Henrietta Melville. At 26, Henrietta has raised her sisters, married the girls off, run the household and nursed her father through his final illness. Now her brother has come to live at Westhyde Manor with his wife and there's no room for two mistressess in a household. Henrietta thinks it's time for a change, but what? When Julian comes to call, she thinks nothing of it except that he's bored stuck at home as his father recovers. The two become friendly but when Julian proposes, Hetty is shocked. She doesn't want a marriage of convience! She wants love and passion and romance. Hetty wants to enjoy all the things she missed out on as a girl so she rejects the proposal and heads to Bath to stay with another old friend, Louisa Fordyce, who has been widowed. In Bath Hetty enjoys fashion, flirtations and a taste of the tonnish life she missed out on. When Julian comes to Bath he is angry and hurt at Hetty's refusal and surprised to see the changes in her. He is not at all pleased. How dare she reject HIM in favor of some Irish rogue, gamster youth or boring plain Mr.? There's something about her suitors Julian doesn't like. Louisa's suitor, Captain Barclay, suspects something is up with Hetty's suitor Mr. Colby but he can't prove anything and it's none of his business. Hetty is resolved never to marry anyone and has her own reasons for behaving as she is. She resents Julian's interference but for some reason she feels bad about quarreling with him.
This book is a mix of Georgette Heyer's characters and tonnish pleasures plotlines with Jane Austen's phrases. Both authors use Bath settings as well. While the plot is unique enough that Georgette Heyer wouldn't have grounds to sue, it's a good thing Heyer and Austen were both dead by the time this book was published or I don't think either lady would be most pleased. While Lee claims to have done her own research, she may have been prompted by Heyer's novels. I recognized a few references.
The plot is long and meandering. There's way too much going on. It would be better focused on the romance because that's the one part of the novel that's lacking. I don't buy the romance at all. The ending is too rushed because of all the other stuff going on. The plot is super predictable and I don't mean just the romance. There's a villain, a secret I guessed right away, a lovestruck young girl with her first crush, and the romance. This is not Alice Chetwynd Lee's best work. I did love the Bath setting. The setting is researched well and I could imagine in my mind the streets I walked down and hills I walked up. I know Queen Square, Gay Street (of course), the Circus and the long walk up. I walked by Milsom street and the Pump Rooms. I visited the Assembly Rooms. It was fun to read about those places in the Regency era.
While in Heyer, the boys will be boys comments don't bother me, they do here. Firstly because they come at the beginning of the novel and secondly because I don't get why Hetty falls in love with Julian and he remains hot and cold until the end. Those comments are balanced out with Hetty's comments on what marriage should be built on but I think Hetty and Julian are BOTH right.
I really liked Hetty. She's smart, sensible and knows what she wants out of life. I don't blame her for wanting to see the world before marriage and not settling for what Julian has to offer. Hetty is compassionate and kind to everyone. I like how she deals with her young suitor and his aunt and with silly Anna Florey. I don't much care for Julian. It does seem like he and Hetty would be well matched but he rushes his fences and proposes too soon. He should have taken the time to get to know each other better and become friends. His father is recovering and while marriage and an heir is important in the long run, that shouldn't be rushed. Julian never really unbends. He becomes a "dog in the manger" when he sees Hetty having fun and yes, even though there may have been an unsuitable suitor, it was none of his business! They way he acted towards Hetty was inappropriate and rude. He was such a jerk. While Julian is an honorable, noble man, he still has a ways to go. His youthful infatuation was so not love and that woman was horrid. He should get over it and open his mind to the possibility of true love based on a meeting of the minds AND passion.
Almeria is sweet and means well. She loves her brother and loves her friend but she is an optimist with stars in her eyes because she's so happily married. She wants to see her brother in the same blissful state. Almeria is a true friend to Hetty though and doesn't try to interfere too much once Hetty moves to Bath. Louisa is also a good friend. She's a bit silly with her flirtations but I gather she, like Hetty, had a sheltered and difficult young adulthood and didn't have the opportunity for much socializing. I guessed her terrible secret right away and I admire the way she tried to compromise with the villain. Why she didn't guess what must have happened, I don't know.
The suitors are a mixed bag. Louisa's most persistant suitor is Captain Robert Barklay, of His Majesty's Royal Navy. He's supposed to be the kindly, saintly Colonel Brandon type but I found him to be a creepy stalker. His passion for Louisa extends to watching her every move out the window and then dashing outside when he seems her, offering to escort her to the Pump Room because he "just happened" to be going there himself. That's what silly teenagers do not mature men. He's good to Louisa and an honorable man but I can't get over his nosiness and stalker tendencies. Louisa's other suitor is Roderick Dyrham. He's dull and uninteresting. Hetty's suitor, Mr. Roger Fortescue, is the anti-Darcy hero. He's very young and acts younger than his age. He has a gambling addiction and is under the thumb of his autocratic aunt. Hetty thinks he's sweet and fun to be with. I agree. He's like a puppy or a brother, clearly friendzone and not romance. I don't really feel sorry for him but he has some growing up to do. I hope he settles down one day. I think he'd be an understanding father and kind husband. Right now he's not the marrying type. Mr. Thomas Burke is Hetty's boring suitor. He's upright, kind, sensible and sober. There's nothing wildly passionate or romantic about him. Hetty finds him boring. I think he's an introvert and shy and that's why he prattles on in a boring way. He won't do for Hetty and her lively sense of humor though. Mr. Colby is Hetty's fun suitor. He's full of Irish charm and quick wit. They share a lot of laughs and good times together but I don't think she's in danger of losing her heart. She likes the idea of being attractive to a rogue and enjoys sharing her quick wit with someone. I sense he's not a good man, especially since no one knows his background. That's usually a warning sign.
Mr. Dyrham's sister, Miss Jane Dyrham, is a nasty, gossipping, catty lady. She's awful. I hate people who maliciously spread gossip and try to undermine others. She didn't really have a reason. She's too obvious with the men and they don't appreciate her flirtations at all. Perhaps I should feel sorry for her because she's too slow to realize why the marriage proposals aren't coming and why the men prefer Hetty and Louisa. Lady Bellairs, Mr. Fortescue's aunt, is Lady Catherine De Bourgh take 2. The same haughty manner, the same conversation (word for word) and the same sense of entitlement. Lady Bellairs goes one step further and funds her nephew as long as he does what she says. YIKES! She's terrifying and nasty!
The subplot about Anna Foley is unncessary. Anna is a young girl filled with romantic dreams. At 17, she has more than a year to go before her come out. She's bored at school and has filled her head with trashy novels. When she meets Julian, he becomes the object of her infatuation. I find it hard to believe he didn't realize it and figure out how to nip that in the bud. Anna drives the plot forward but it feels awkward and makes the final romance rushed. I don't like silly teenage heroines.
The characters are pretty dull and unmemorable. The writing doesn't sparkle with the wit Austen and Heyer did so well. Don't read this looking for the next best thing to your favorite novel.
The Honorable Julian Aldwyn's father, Baron Aldwyn, is ill and wants to secure the sucession before he dies. Julian is thinking along the same lines. He needs an heir but the simpering debuntantes of London hold no appeal for him. He thinks perhaps an older lady, a spinster would be happy to have his title and wealth and bear his children. His sister, Almeria, happily married, asks about love. Julian doesn't believe in love. Years ago he had his heart broken and refuses to experience that emotion ever again. He believes a conformable wife will be just the thing. With that in mind, Almeria introduces her brother to her old friend Henrietta Melville. At 26, Henrietta has raised her sisters, married the girls off, run the household and nursed her father through his final illness. Now her brother has come to live at Westhyde Manor with his wife and there's no room for two mistressess in a household. Henrietta thinks it's time for a change, but what? When Julian comes to call, she thinks nothing of it except that he's bored stuck at home as his father recovers. The two become friendly but when Julian proposes, Hetty is shocked. She doesn't want a marriage of convience! She wants love and passion and romance. Hetty wants to enjoy all the things she missed out on as a girl so she rejects the proposal and heads to Bath to stay with another old friend, Louisa Fordyce, who has been widowed. In Bath Hetty enjoys fashion, flirtations and a taste of the tonnish life she missed out on. When Julian comes to Bath he is angry and hurt at Hetty's refusal and surprised to see the changes in her. He is not at all pleased. How dare she reject HIM in favor of some Irish rogue, gamster youth or boring plain Mr.? There's something about her suitors Julian doesn't like. Louisa's suitor, Captain Barclay, suspects something is up with Hetty's suitor Mr. Colby but he can't prove anything and it's none of his business. Hetty is resolved never to marry anyone and has her own reasons for behaving as she is. She resents Julian's interference but for some reason she feels bad about quarreling with him.
This book is a mix of Georgette Heyer's characters and tonnish pleasures plotlines with Jane Austen's phrases. Both authors use Bath settings as well. While the plot is unique enough that Georgette Heyer wouldn't have grounds to sue, it's a good thing Heyer and Austen were both dead by the time this book was published or I don't think either lady would be most pleased. While Lee claims to have done her own research, she may have been prompted by Heyer's novels. I recognized a few references.
The plot is long and meandering. There's way too much going on. It would be better focused on the romance because that's the one part of the novel that's lacking. I don't buy the romance at all. The ending is too rushed because of all the other stuff going on. The plot is super predictable and I don't mean just the romance. There's a villain, a secret I guessed right away, a lovestruck young girl with her first crush, and the romance. This is not Alice Chetwynd Lee's best work. I did love the Bath setting. The setting is researched well and I could imagine in my mind the streets I walked down and hills I walked up. I know Queen Square, Gay Street (of course), the Circus and the long walk up. I walked by Milsom street and the Pump Rooms. I visited the Assembly Rooms. It was fun to read about those places in the Regency era.
While in Heyer, the boys will be boys comments don't bother me, they do here. Firstly because they come at the beginning of the novel and secondly because I don't get why Hetty falls in love with Julian and he remains hot and cold until the end. Those comments are balanced out with Hetty's comments on what marriage should be built on but I think Hetty and Julian are BOTH right.
I really liked Hetty. She's smart, sensible and knows what she wants out of life. I don't blame her for wanting to see the world before marriage and not settling for what Julian has to offer. Hetty is compassionate and kind to everyone. I like how she deals with her young suitor and his aunt and with silly Anna Florey. I don't much care for Julian. It does seem like he and Hetty would be well matched but he rushes his fences and proposes too soon. He should have taken the time to get to know each other better and become friends. His father is recovering and while marriage and an heir is important in the long run, that shouldn't be rushed. Julian never really unbends. He becomes a "dog in the manger" when he sees Hetty having fun and yes, even though there may have been an unsuitable suitor, it was none of his business! They way he acted towards Hetty was inappropriate and rude. He was such a jerk. While Julian is an honorable, noble man, he still has a ways to go. His youthful infatuation was so not love and that woman was horrid. He should get over it and open his mind to the possibility of true love based on a meeting of the minds AND passion.
Almeria is sweet and means well. She loves her brother and loves her friend but she is an optimist with stars in her eyes because she's so happily married. She wants to see her brother in the same blissful state. Almeria is a true friend to Hetty though and doesn't try to interfere too much once Hetty moves to Bath. Louisa is also a good friend. She's a bit silly with her flirtations but I gather she, like Hetty, had a sheltered and difficult young adulthood and didn't have the opportunity for much socializing. I guessed her terrible secret right away and I admire the way she tried to compromise with the villain. Why she didn't guess what must have happened, I don't know.
The suitors are a mixed bag. Louisa's most persistant suitor is Captain Robert Barklay, of His Majesty's Royal Navy. He's supposed to be the kindly, saintly Colonel Brandon type but I found him to be a creepy stalker. His passion for Louisa extends to watching her every move out the window and then dashing outside when he seems her, offering to escort her to the Pump Room because he "just happened" to be going there himself. That's what silly teenagers do not mature men. He's good to Louisa and an honorable man but I can't get over his nosiness and stalker tendencies. Louisa's other suitor is Roderick Dyrham. He's dull and uninteresting. Hetty's suitor, Mr. Roger Fortescue, is the anti-Darcy hero. He's very young and acts younger than his age. He has a gambling addiction and is under the thumb of his autocratic aunt. Hetty thinks he's sweet and fun to be with. I agree. He's like a puppy or a brother, clearly friendzone and not romance. I don't really feel sorry for him but he has some growing up to do. I hope he settles down one day. I think he'd be an understanding father and kind husband. Right now he's not the marrying type. Mr. Thomas Burke is Hetty's boring suitor. He's upright, kind, sensible and sober. There's nothing wildly passionate or romantic about him. Hetty finds him boring. I think he's an introvert and shy and that's why he prattles on in a boring way. He won't do for Hetty and her lively sense of humor though. Mr. Colby is Hetty's fun suitor. He's full of Irish charm and quick wit. They share a lot of laughs and good times together but I don't think she's in danger of losing her heart. She likes the idea of being attractive to a rogue and enjoys sharing her quick wit with someone. I sense he's not a good man, especially since no one knows his background. That's usually a warning sign.
Mr. Dyrham's sister, Miss Jane Dyrham, is a nasty, gossipping, catty lady. She's awful. I hate people who maliciously spread gossip and try to undermine others. She didn't really have a reason. She's too obvious with the men and they don't appreciate her flirtations at all. Perhaps I should feel sorry for her because she's too slow to realize why the marriage proposals aren't coming and why the men prefer Hetty and Louisa. Lady Bellairs, Mr. Fortescue's aunt, is Lady Catherine De Bourgh take 2. The same haughty manner, the same conversation (word for word) and the same sense of entitlement. Lady Bellairs goes one step further and funds her nephew as long as he does what she says. YIKES! She's terrifying and nasty!
The subplot about Anna Foley is unncessary. Anna is a young girl filled with romantic dreams. At 17, she has more than a year to go before her come out. She's bored at school and has filled her head with trashy novels. When she meets Julian, he becomes the object of her infatuation. I find it hard to believe he didn't realize it and figure out how to nip that in the bud. Anna drives the plot forward but it feels awkward and makes the final romance rushed. I don't like silly teenage heroines.
The characters are pretty dull and unmemorable. The writing doesn't sparkle with the wit Austen and Heyer did so well. Don't read this looking for the next best thing to your favorite novel.
April 11, 2019
A charming Regency romance of love required--and hardily acquired!
I haven't read any of Alice Chetwynd Ley's books for years, so when the opportunity came to revisit one her works I took it. I'm glad I did.
It's 1814 and the Honorable Julian Aldwyn decided it's about time to marry. He is persuaded by his sister to consider Miss Henrietta Melville, a spinster of twenty-six, with a nicely timed sense of humor, an intelligent outlook, and an heiress.
Henrietta has been chatelaine of her father's house. After his death her brother has inherited her childhood home. It is becoming more apparent that it is no longer the place for her. No home needs more than one mistress. Her brother's wife is determined to be mistress and the servants find it hard to drop old habits of consulting Henrietta. An unfortunate dilemma.
On the pretext of being in the neighborhood Julian decides to become acquainted with his sister's friend. An untimely proposal of a marriage of convenience stirs Henrietta to refuse him showing Julian that she's neither comfortable nor conformable.
Looking to set up her own establishment Henrietta repairs to Bath joining her widowed friend Louisa Fordyce at her residence in Pulteney Street, one of Bath's more exclusive neighborhoods.
Although Henrietta doesn't take Bath by storm she is relieved to know she is admired, by not one, but three seemingly attentive gentlemen.
Into this situation comes Julian along with knowledge of unpleasantness relating to one admirer. Quite a jolt for all concerned.
Personally, I'm quite taken with the occupant next door to the ladies, Captain Robert Barclay of the Royal Navy, who only has eyes for Louisa.
A sweet read, if a little other worldly in the conversation style, with the heroine and the secondary characters cast in the role of Heyer type personas. All is proper in Henrietta and Julian's relationship, with that suppressed hint of attraction bubbling underneath. A pleasant HEA with a splash of drama!
A Sapere ARC via NetGalley
I haven't read any of Alice Chetwynd Ley's books for years, so when the opportunity came to revisit one her works I took it. I'm glad I did.
It's 1814 and the Honorable Julian Aldwyn decided it's about time to marry. He is persuaded by his sister to consider Miss Henrietta Melville, a spinster of twenty-six, with a nicely timed sense of humor, an intelligent outlook, and an heiress.
Henrietta has been chatelaine of her father's house. After his death her brother has inherited her childhood home. It is becoming more apparent that it is no longer the place for her. No home needs more than one mistress. Her brother's wife is determined to be mistress and the servants find it hard to drop old habits of consulting Henrietta. An unfortunate dilemma.
On the pretext of being in the neighborhood Julian decides to become acquainted with his sister's friend. An untimely proposal of a marriage of convenience stirs Henrietta to refuse him showing Julian that she's neither comfortable nor conformable.
Looking to set up her own establishment Henrietta repairs to Bath joining her widowed friend Louisa Fordyce at her residence in Pulteney Street, one of Bath's more exclusive neighborhoods.
Although Henrietta doesn't take Bath by storm she is relieved to know she is admired, by not one, but three seemingly attentive gentlemen.
Into this situation comes Julian along with knowledge of unpleasantness relating to one admirer. Quite a jolt for all concerned.
Personally, I'm quite taken with the occupant next door to the ladies, Captain Robert Barclay of the Royal Navy, who only has eyes for Louisa.
A sweet read, if a little other worldly in the conversation style, with the heroine and the secondary characters cast in the role of Heyer type personas. All is proper in Henrietta and Julian's relationship, with that suppressed hint of attraction bubbling underneath. A pleasant HEA with a splash of drama!
A Sapere ARC via NetGalley
January 24, 2022
Gave it a shot. Not my kind of Regency. I did finish it, but will not try others by this author.
Kindle Unlimited
Kindle Unlimited
May 11, 2022
lovely, entertaining, and well-written
I just found out about this author, and I intend to read all of her backlist. I particularly liked the witty dialogues and the sense of historical immersion.
I just found out about this author, and I intend to read all of her backlist. I particularly liked the witty dialogues and the sense of historical immersion.
February 7, 2020
This is an old-fashioned Regency romance very much in the style of Georgette Heyer but for me, sadly, it didn't quite hit the mark. It's well-written, it's stuffed full of history - rather too full, in places if felt like a history lesson. But it was the narrative style that I felt rather jarring. It was, I think deliberately, sedately narrated, Austen-esque, but without her quirky humour, it fell sadly flat. And there was a lot of plot that was rather transparent too. I would much have preferred it to concentrate on the main romance, and dispensed with the baddie, but then of course it would have been a very different book. Maybe it's a case of crossed-wires when it came to my expectations.
June 5, 2019
Much thanks to NetGalley and Sapere books for providing me a digital ARC!
This was a throughly enjoyable novel with many of the elements that I loved about the first Alice Chetwynd Ley book I read, "Tenant of Chesdene Manor". For example, plenty of witty dialogue and characters that are actually capable of working out misunderstandings through communication! Even the fairly obvious plot twists didn't hamper my enjoyment. My only complaint, was at the beginning there was repeated reference made of Julian having 'plenty of ineligible females in his life'. Thankfully that point was dropped for the most part within the first few chapters.
If you're in the mood for something light and humorous, with just a dash of adventure look no further.
This was a throughly enjoyable novel with many of the elements that I loved about the first Alice Chetwynd Ley book I read, "Tenant of Chesdene Manor". For example, plenty of witty dialogue and characters that are actually capable of working out misunderstandings through communication! Even the fairly obvious plot twists didn't hamper my enjoyment. My only complaint, was at the beginning there was repeated reference made of Julian having 'plenty of ineligible females in his life'. Thankfully that point was dropped for the most part within the first few chapters.
If you're in the mood for something light and humorous, with just a dash of adventure look no further.
January 12, 2023
A nice traditional read, and mostly set in Bath, which is always fun. Very redolent of Georgette Heyer, but that’s not at all a bad thing.
Here’s the premise: Julian Aldwyn is the heir to an earldom, and after a sudden illness in his father, he’s realised it’s time for him to marry and secure the succession. The trouble is, a disastrous and humiliating love affair before he was even of age has made him wary of women. He wants a restful marriage with the conformable wife of the title, based on compatibility not romantic foolishness. His sister suggests the perfect candidate - Henrietta (Hetty) Melville, very much on the shelf after devoting herself to her family, but very capable. So Julian gets to know her, and although she’s a terrible dowd, he sees enough in her to make her an offer - which she refuses, because she’s still hoping for a love match.
He’s piqued by her refusal, but she’s a bit put out, too, by his unemotional proposal. When an opportunity arises for her to go to Bath to stay with an old friend and have a bit of a girly good time, away she goes, happy to leave the annoying Mr Aldwyn behind. In Bath, she has the makeover so beloved of Regencies, emerging as a beautiful and fashionable woman, and attracting a whole host of admirers. So when Mr Aldwyn finally gets up the gumption to follow her to Bath, to see if maybe he can’t persuade her to change her mind, he finds the dull and dowdy spinster has become a social butterfly, amusing herself with flirtations with her many admirers.
I do dislike the idea that a woman has only to put on a pretty gown and have a new hairdo to become beautiful. Her face and figure haven’t changed, after all, and a plain woman can’t be made less plain by dressing differently, especially not in an era when make-up was little worn. And if a so-called hero *thinks* she’s become beautiful because of some new frocks, he doesn’t deserve her.
I won’t go into the details of all Hetty’s admirers. There were far too many characters in this book, by the time all her friends and relations are taken into account, and most of them were unnecessary and only served to make the book longer and more complicated than it needed to be. There’s a villain, needless to say, with whom Hetty behaves very stupidly and puts herself at obvious risk, and there’s a not-very-challenging mystery to resolve, and a happy ending for one of the minor characters, when an obstacle is rather predictably removed at the last minute.
Some reviews are quite hard on Hetty and Julian, but I rather liked both of them. They both had some baggage to dispose of before they could commit to marriage, she to spread her wings a little after so many years playing the dutiful daughter and sister, and he to realise that not all women are deceitful hussies and that it’s possible to fall in love twice. As for the romance, again, some reviews are negative, saying it comes out of nowhere. Well, it’s not a full-on angsty and over emotional affair, that’s true, but that wasn’t the norm for this era - it’s getting on for fifty years old, after all. But there are clues all the way through that both the protagonists are regretting their initial haste, he to rush to propose without trying to win her over, and she to reject him out of hand. In particular, their behaviour in Bath shows very clearly what’s going on - his obvious jealousy, and her determination to flirt and encourage the most unsuitable men equally suggest more going on beneath the surface. It’s perhaps more subtle than modern audiences are used to, but I liked watching out for these delicate little signs.
The writing is literate and the created Regency world is perfectly believable. It’s one of those books where it’s possible to sink into the story without fear of being jolted back to reality by an infelicitous phrase or a wandering anachronism. I enjoyed it very much, and only the excessive number of characters to keep track of made it sag a little in places. Four stars.
Here’s the premise: Julian Aldwyn is the heir to an earldom, and after a sudden illness in his father, he’s realised it’s time for him to marry and secure the succession. The trouble is, a disastrous and humiliating love affair before he was even of age has made him wary of women. He wants a restful marriage with the conformable wife of the title, based on compatibility not romantic foolishness. His sister suggests the perfect candidate - Henrietta (Hetty) Melville, very much on the shelf after devoting herself to her family, but very capable. So Julian gets to know her, and although she’s a terrible dowd, he sees enough in her to make her an offer - which she refuses, because she’s still hoping for a love match.
He’s piqued by her refusal, but she’s a bit put out, too, by his unemotional proposal. When an opportunity arises for her to go to Bath to stay with an old friend and have a bit of a girly good time, away she goes, happy to leave the annoying Mr Aldwyn behind. In Bath, she has the makeover so beloved of Regencies, emerging as a beautiful and fashionable woman, and attracting a whole host of admirers. So when Mr Aldwyn finally gets up the gumption to follow her to Bath, to see if maybe he can’t persuade her to change her mind, he finds the dull and dowdy spinster has become a social butterfly, amusing herself with flirtations with her many admirers.
I do dislike the idea that a woman has only to put on a pretty gown and have a new hairdo to become beautiful. Her face and figure haven’t changed, after all, and a plain woman can’t be made less plain by dressing differently, especially not in an era when make-up was little worn. And if a so-called hero *thinks* she’s become beautiful because of some new frocks, he doesn’t deserve her.
I won’t go into the details of all Hetty’s admirers. There were far too many characters in this book, by the time all her friends and relations are taken into account, and most of them were unnecessary and only served to make the book longer and more complicated than it needed to be. There’s a villain, needless to say, with whom Hetty behaves very stupidly and puts herself at obvious risk, and there’s a not-very-challenging mystery to resolve, and a happy ending for one of the minor characters, when an obstacle is rather predictably removed at the last minute.
Some reviews are quite hard on Hetty and Julian, but I rather liked both of them. They both had some baggage to dispose of before they could commit to marriage, she to spread her wings a little after so many years playing the dutiful daughter and sister, and he to realise that not all women are deceitful hussies and that it’s possible to fall in love twice. As for the romance, again, some reviews are negative, saying it comes out of nowhere. Well, it’s not a full-on angsty and over emotional affair, that’s true, but that wasn’t the norm for this era - it’s getting on for fifty years old, after all. But there are clues all the way through that both the protagonists are regretting their initial haste, he to rush to propose without trying to win her over, and she to reject him out of hand. In particular, their behaviour in Bath shows very clearly what’s going on - his obvious jealousy, and her determination to flirt and encourage the most unsuitable men equally suggest more going on beneath the surface. It’s perhaps more subtle than modern audiences are used to, but I liked watching out for these delicate little signs.
The writing is literate and the created Regency world is perfectly believable. It’s one of those books where it’s possible to sink into the story without fear of being jolted back to reality by an infelicitous phrase or a wandering anachronism. I enjoyed it very much, and only the excessive number of characters to keep track of made it sag a little in places. Four stars.
July 23, 2020
Whenever there was a question of "best Regency Romance authors" Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer always come to everyone's mind, and it was shame that only these 2 authors were to take in consideration. However, I am happy to add 2 more to this selected list: Jude Morgan and Alice Chetwynd Ley.
This book was a joy to read, a gem among Regency Romances! The language, humor, the costumes, the description of Bath in Georgian time, everything was well done. I admit I am not very knowledge, but it did make me search a bit for myself since it was like seeing Bath for the first time.
I shelved this in my "great-characters" shelf, I loved Henrietta and her two friends. Henrietta, a girl in the shelf (how I hate this expression!) gives herself a 2nd chance to enjoy the frivolities of the ton life, buying herself lots of dresses and bonnets, and flirting a little bit. I loved that she got to live her life a bit more, without losing her morals.
She has two best friends, one married and one a widower; it was so refreshing to read about happy girls that were not "too young" and that have more liberties, liberties that were allowed only once one was married or "old". Young Mr Fortescue could be straight out from one of GH's books, and the Captain was lovely as a love interest of one of the friends.
The romance was lovely too; I love their conversations and their quarrels... this Julian says many infuriating things! Not a rake, cynic, serious and loyal, I am only a bit offended that
A light reading, only a side story was a bit dark and another side story was a bit foolish (the teenager's) but I loved this book.. this author is a hidden gem! Makes me wonder how she isn't more popular.
This book was a joy to read, a gem among Regency Romances! The language, humor, the costumes, the description of Bath in Georgian time, everything was well done. I admit I am not very knowledge, but it did make me search a bit for myself since it was like seeing Bath for the first time.
I shelved this in my "great-characters" shelf, I loved Henrietta and her two friends. Henrietta, a girl in the shelf (how I hate this expression!) gives herself a 2nd chance to enjoy the frivolities of the ton life, buying herself lots of dresses and bonnets, and flirting a little bit. I loved that she got to live her life a bit more, without losing her morals.
She has two best friends, one married and one a widower; it was so refreshing to read about happy girls that were not "too young" and that have more liberties, liberties that were allowed only once one was married or "old". Young Mr Fortescue could be straight out from one of GH's books, and the Captain was lovely as a love interest of one of the friends.
The romance was lovely too; I love their conversations and their quarrels... this Julian says many infuriating things! Not a rake, cynic, serious and loyal, I am only a bit offended that
A light reading, only a side story was a bit dark and another side story was a bit foolish (the teenager's) but I loved this book.. this author is a hidden gem! Makes me wonder how she isn't more popular.
September 13, 2020
This was my first book from this author and I doubt that I will give her another chance. This is a classic regency romance, more ball room than bedroom which is absolutely my cup of tea. So why I give it only three stars? Well these are my reasons: this was not a romance book. There is hardly any romance or passion in this book. The hero and heroine meet briefly at the beginning and then are separated for about 50% of the book. During this time we read nothing of the hero but follow the heroine in Bath from one ball room to a pump room, from one shopping to another. Nothing actually happens during this time. We have to follow three friends and their very boring conversations and when the hero appears, well nothing actually happens between them. No meaningful real conversations. They follow each other from afar. How did they fall in love? And the ending to their romance or the romance of the friend was absolutely rushed and flat. Second, I did not like heroine and her friends. Although the author tries to tell us that they are different than the simpering brainless debutantes of the ton, well they are not. They are definitely kind hearted and very loyal, but spent their days shopping or in the gathering rooms basically flirting or gossiping. They do not have a backbone or brain to solve their problems when the time arrives. The heroine ignores many glaringly obvious signs regrading the villain or her friend which I could not understand. The hero was more likable but not very much. Sad to say that this was a very unsatisfying read.
February 26, 2021
It's nice finding other authors outside of Georgette Heyer who write clean romances. (Wish it had a better cover because the people do not match the descriptions in the book.)
So, in this book we have this guy who is pretty good looking but when he was 19 he was made a fool by a woman who lied to him saying her husband was abusive. He feels so hurt and jaded he vowed never to 'love' again, and therefore would rather have a marriage in name only. His sister tells him of a friend of hers who is 26 and has not married yet due to missing her 'coming out' for family reasons.
Which brings us to our awesome lead. She is not bad looking, but plain you know? He considers this and proposes to her. She turns him down by telling him that she'd rather marry for love than his money or his looks.
So the story goes. I was really curious on how the author would redeem him in my eyes. I was also interested in the other men that popped up that were interested in her when she moved into the city.
There was also a mystery thrown in there as well!
All in all, it was a great book and I'll look for more of the author if I can find her books.
So, in this book we have this guy who is pretty good looking but when he was 19 he was made a fool by a woman who lied to him saying her husband was abusive. He feels so hurt and jaded he vowed never to 'love' again, and therefore would rather have a marriage in name only. His sister tells him of a friend of hers who is 26 and has not married yet due to missing her 'coming out' for family reasons.
Which brings us to our awesome lead. She is not bad looking, but plain you know? He considers this and proposes to her. She turns him down by telling him that she'd rather marry for love than his money or his looks.
So the story goes. I was really curious on how the author would redeem him in my eyes. I was also interested in the other men that popped up that were interested in her when she moved into the city.
There was also a mystery thrown in there as well!
All in all, it was a great book and I'll look for more of the author if I can find her books.
May 3, 2019
A traditional, and old fashioned Regency. I mean old fashioned in the best sense, well researched, true to period and historical mores, an no anachronisms to throw you out of the story.
The heroine in Henrietta, in her mid twenties, she has dwindled into spinsterhood, despite being a notable heiress, due to supporting her widowed father to bring up and marry off her younger sisters. She is now living on sufferance at her family estate, as her brother and his wife have assumed stewardship of the estate and she is very much surplus to requirements. Her father became very miserly in his grief , and she is in the habit of dressing in old, dowdy clothing. Her childhood friend Almeria is visiting her father’s estate and brings her brother, Julian Aldwyn to meet Henrietta, with the express purpose of seeing if she will meet Julian’s desire for a conformable wife.
Julian and Henrietta start spending time together, and Julian eventually asks Henrietta to marry him, as he feels she will be suitably honoured and content with a loveless marriage to save her from spinsterhood. Henrietta is surprised, but realises she definitely does not want a loveless marriage, and refuses him, in order to go to bath to spend time with her other school friend Louisa, who has been widowed and recently come to live in Bath.
With the benefit of a new wardrobe and hairstyle, Henrietta transforms into a very attractive woman, and enjoys herself in Bath society, gathering a few admirers along the way. Staid Mr Burke, dashing and mysterious Irishman Mr Colby, and the young and foolish Mr Fortescue. She is not emotionally attached to any of them, but is enjoying the opportunity to flirt and enjoy herself.
Henrietta enjoys being reunited with Louisa, but doesn’t understand why her friend Louisa is so secretive about her past with her husband, and why is she meeting a strange man in private? Amelia and her husband eventually also arrive in Bath, soon followed by Julian, who is finding it very hard to stop thinking about Henrietta. Will he be jealous of her admirers, will Louisa confess her secrets and give in to her feelings for the Loyal and handsome Captain Barclay, and will Henrietta decide on the charming Mr Colby or the handsome Julian Aldwyn.
All the elements of an enjoyable regency are here, fashionable clothes, and entertainments, intrigue and secrets, an abduction, a dastardly villain and many infatuations and romantic entanglements.
Very enjoyable.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
The heroine in Henrietta, in her mid twenties, she has dwindled into spinsterhood, despite being a notable heiress, due to supporting her widowed father to bring up and marry off her younger sisters. She is now living on sufferance at her family estate, as her brother and his wife have assumed stewardship of the estate and she is very much surplus to requirements. Her father became very miserly in his grief , and she is in the habit of dressing in old, dowdy clothing. Her childhood friend Almeria is visiting her father’s estate and brings her brother, Julian Aldwyn to meet Henrietta, with the express purpose of seeing if she will meet Julian’s desire for a conformable wife.
Julian and Henrietta start spending time together, and Julian eventually asks Henrietta to marry him, as he feels she will be suitably honoured and content with a loveless marriage to save her from spinsterhood. Henrietta is surprised, but realises she definitely does not want a loveless marriage, and refuses him, in order to go to bath to spend time with her other school friend Louisa, who has been widowed and recently come to live in Bath.
With the benefit of a new wardrobe and hairstyle, Henrietta transforms into a very attractive woman, and enjoys herself in Bath society, gathering a few admirers along the way. Staid Mr Burke, dashing and mysterious Irishman Mr Colby, and the young and foolish Mr Fortescue. She is not emotionally attached to any of them, but is enjoying the opportunity to flirt and enjoy herself.
Henrietta enjoys being reunited with Louisa, but doesn’t understand why her friend Louisa is so secretive about her past with her husband, and why is she meeting a strange man in private? Amelia and her husband eventually also arrive in Bath, soon followed by Julian, who is finding it very hard to stop thinking about Henrietta. Will he be jealous of her admirers, will Louisa confess her secrets and give in to her feelings for the Loyal and handsome Captain Barclay, and will Henrietta decide on the charming Mr Colby or the handsome Julian Aldwyn.
All the elements of an enjoyable regency are here, fashionable clothes, and entertainments, intrigue and secrets, an abduction, a dastardly villain and many infatuations and romantic entanglements.
Very enjoyable.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
July 20, 2019
Lukewarm
This book is like a cup of lukewarm milk. Nothing much happens, the characters are nothing unusual, and the dialogue is flat. Not one of Alice Chetwynd Ley’s better books.
This book is like a cup of lukewarm milk. Nothing much happens, the characters are nothing unusual, and the dialogue is flat. Not one of Alice Chetwynd Ley’s better books.
April 20, 2019
Well researched historical romance.
How lovely to read a Regency romance that stays true to period. So many books in this genre today seem to be modern romances in period costume and I find myself jarred when reading them by historical inaccuracies, modern speech and freedoms that were just not available to the fairer sex. And don’t get me started on the sheer number of eligible Dukes that seem to be available on the marriage mart!
Henrietta first forewent her Season and introduction to Society when her mother died. She was then engaged in raising and marrying off her sisters and before long seven years have past, she is on the shelf and living with a sister-in-law who resents her. Small wonder then that Julian Aldwyn thinks she will jump at the chance to be his wife and have a home of her own, even if there is no emotional attachment between them. However, much to his chagrin, she turns him down, telling him she wants love and passion in any marriage she makes. Hetty waltzes off for an extended visit to Bath, whereupon she proceeds to update her wardrobe and indulge in the fun denied her in her youth.
This book may not have any sex scenes but it does have delightful descriptions, polite manners, gamesters, cads, villains and even an abduction!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
How lovely to read a Regency romance that stays true to period. So many books in this genre today seem to be modern romances in period costume and I find myself jarred when reading them by historical inaccuracies, modern speech and freedoms that were just not available to the fairer sex. And don’t get me started on the sheer number of eligible Dukes that seem to be available on the marriage mart!
Henrietta first forewent her Season and introduction to Society when her mother died. She was then engaged in raising and marrying off her sisters and before long seven years have past, she is on the shelf and living with a sister-in-law who resents her. Small wonder then that Julian Aldwyn thinks she will jump at the chance to be his wife and have a home of her own, even if there is no emotional attachment between them. However, much to his chagrin, she turns him down, telling him she wants love and passion in any marriage she makes. Hetty waltzes off for an extended visit to Bath, whereupon she proceeds to update her wardrobe and indulge in the fun denied her in her youth.
This book may not have any sex scenes but it does have delightful descriptions, polite manners, gamesters, cads, villains and even an abduction!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 7, 2021
This book starts off very promisingly – a gentle hero and a sensible, older heroine are matched by his sister and a proposal ensues almost immediately. She however turns him down and for a very good reason in my opinion:
"For so many years I’ve tried to be what others expected and needed me to be… I should like to have my freedom for the time being, at least to try another way, to discover myself."
And with that Henrietta heads off to visit a friend in Bath and to discover herself – which is where Ms Chetwynd Ley unfortunately lost me for a bit. Henrietta’s departure occurs at the 20% mark and we don’t see Julian again (who is the hero remember!) until the 50% mark. I’m not a fan of long separations between the hero and heroine – my main reason for reading a romance is to see the two main characters connecting and falling in love, which took quite a while to get to in this book.
There’s also a lot going on in Bath that seemed to push Julian and Henrietta’s romance off-stage. There’s a mystery surrounding Henrietta’s widowed friend; a villain from someone’s past that threatens the romantic future of a character (who is not Julian or Henrietta); at least one other romance (and an imagined romance); and multiple points of view.
At times I did wonder when the actual romance would occur but I pushed on and was eventually rewarded. The interactions between Julian and Henrietta are nicely written (some strong referencing to Pride and Prejudice in the proposals and apologies) and I enjoyed the final resolution of their misunderstanding.
It was refreshing too, to not be reading about dukes and earls, and the London Season. A Conformable Wife is primarily set in Bath, with the characters coming from the landed gentry circle of society – again, this is closer to Jane Austen’s mode of writing than some of the newer Regency Romance writers.
Ultimately though I guess you want to know – did I feel the HEA was right? Was I left with a warm and fuzzy feeling or wishing I could get my money back?
I did think the HEA was right. Julian’s journey to understanding Henrietta and acknowledging her as an equal was nicely shown as was Henrietta’s journey to discovering herself. The (second) proposal did leave me with a warm and fuzzy feeling with no desire to get my money back.
So yes, this is a recommend from me and given that many of Ms Chetwynd Ley‘s books are on Kindle Unlimited I’m sure I’ll be reading more of them in the future.
(Check out my personal blog for more Traditional Regency Romance reviews)
"For so many years I’ve tried to be what others expected and needed me to be… I should like to have my freedom for the time being, at least to try another way, to discover myself."
And with that Henrietta heads off to visit a friend in Bath and to discover herself – which is where Ms Chetwynd Ley unfortunately lost me for a bit. Henrietta’s departure occurs at the 20% mark and we don’t see Julian again (who is the hero remember!) until the 50% mark. I’m not a fan of long separations between the hero and heroine – my main reason for reading a romance is to see the two main characters connecting and falling in love, which took quite a while to get to in this book.
There’s also a lot going on in Bath that seemed to push Julian and Henrietta’s romance off-stage. There’s a mystery surrounding Henrietta’s widowed friend; a villain from someone’s past that threatens the romantic future of a character (who is not Julian or Henrietta); at least one other romance (and an imagined romance); and multiple points of view.
At times I did wonder when the actual romance would occur but I pushed on and was eventually rewarded. The interactions between Julian and Henrietta are nicely written (some strong referencing to Pride and Prejudice in the proposals and apologies) and I enjoyed the final resolution of their misunderstanding.
It was refreshing too, to not be reading about dukes and earls, and the London Season. A Conformable Wife is primarily set in Bath, with the characters coming from the landed gentry circle of society – again, this is closer to Jane Austen’s mode of writing than some of the newer Regency Romance writers.
Ultimately though I guess you want to know – did I feel the HEA was right? Was I left with a warm and fuzzy feeling or wishing I could get my money back?
I did think the HEA was right. Julian’s journey to understanding Henrietta and acknowledging her as an equal was nicely shown as was Henrietta’s journey to discovering herself. The (second) proposal did leave me with a warm and fuzzy feeling with no desire to get my money back.
So yes, this is a recommend from me and given that many of Ms Chetwynd Ley‘s books are on Kindle Unlimited I’m sure I’ll be reading more of them in the future.
(Check out my personal blog for more Traditional Regency Romance reviews)
April 27, 2019
A 26, Henrietta might be considered to be on the shelf. Never having had a 'season', she lives with her brother and his wife. But that wife is making Henrietta increasingly unwelcome in their home, and she has decided to visit old friends in Bath and spread her wings a little. She has already turned down one marriage of convenience, considering love to be necessary, even with the benefit of escaping her sister-in-law - then Julian offers for her, and she finds that a preference on her side alone is not enough. Julian suffered a humiliating disappointment in love years earlier, and is determined never to love again. But when Henrietta turns him down, he decides to pursue her to Bath anyway. There, she blooms and flirts, while he watches and glowers - but stays. Will he decide to take a chance on love, or will it be too late?
I've enjoyed everything I've read by the author, some more than others, but this one I would have to rank up with Heyer's Regencies - but without the bad language. With lots of fun (I loved the flannel petticoat!), some tenderness and bits of mystery, this was a great, clean read, with interesting characters, enjoyable dialogue, a great storyline, and a satisfying ending - what more could one want? Highly recommended.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
I've enjoyed everything I've read by the author, some more than others, but this one I would have to rank up with Heyer's Regencies - but without the bad language. With lots of fun (I loved the flannel petticoat!), some tenderness and bits of mystery, this was a great, clean read, with interesting characters, enjoyable dialogue, a great storyline, and a satisfying ending - what more could one want? Highly recommended.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
August 1, 2019
Classic.
You know those books where you have to read each word to know what is going on, and it isn't a chore? Well here is one of them. To be sure some regency novels are tiresome in their language, but riddled with whit and humour they become books you can't put down. This is classic Chetwynd Ley.
Hetty is charmingly funny, innocent and logical simultaneously. And sees herself on the shelf.
Julian Aldwyn formerly of His Majesty's army is looking for a sensible wife. None of this love nonsense! Once bitten and all that. So the adventure begins highlighting the errors of not saying what you mean , which leads to misunderstandings; keeping secrets, which leads to mistrust; closing your heart ,which leads to missed opportunities.
Mix it up with infatuations, abused wives and downtrodden young men and Chetwynd Ley produces an un-put-down-able story. Enjoy!
You know those books where you have to read each word to know what is going on, and it isn't a chore? Well here is one of them. To be sure some regency novels are tiresome in their language, but riddled with whit and humour they become books you can't put down. This is classic Chetwynd Ley.
Hetty is charmingly funny, innocent and logical simultaneously. And sees herself on the shelf.
Julian Aldwyn formerly of His Majesty's army is looking for a sensible wife. None of this love nonsense! Once bitten and all that. So the adventure begins highlighting the errors of not saying what you mean , which leads to misunderstandings; keeping secrets, which leads to mistrust; closing your heart ,which leads to missed opportunities.
Mix it up with infatuations, abused wives and downtrodden young men and Chetwynd Ley produces an un-put-down-able story. Enjoy!
September 27, 2023
I loved how the characters were handled at the beginning, but it was a rushed and predictable plot by the end and drawn out in the middle. I was far more interested in the side couple (he’s like a colonel Brandon; I fell a little in love). We had so much of them and then suddenly nothing when it was actually important. Also Aldwyn was not around nearly enough to redeem his prior attitude, I never became attached to him. But I loved Henrietta!! I love experiencing a character learn to live and enjoy life for the first time: it’s one of my favorites.
November 11, 2024
Another brilliant book by this author. This book is full of interesting characters such as Fortescue and his aunt, Captain Barclay and even the Bow Street Runner, Trimble. Although there is quite a serious undertone to this story, it is amusing in places and had me chuckling out loud. I like it when Aldwyn says that he had the overwhelming desire to shoot something once his sister had come home for a prolonged visit. Hetty and Aldwyn have to have a few adventures before realising that they are a perfect match. Good entertainment value!
May 30, 2019
Gentle read
Thoroughly enjoyed A Confirmable Wife, a first for this author. I revilled that I was transported back to Bath in the Recency period, with all the going ons and machinations. It's a nice change to read a well penned clean and sweet romance. I will certainly read her other books!
Thoroughly enjoyed A Confirmable Wife, a first for this author. I revilled that I was transported back to Bath in the Recency period, with all the going ons and machinations. It's a nice change to read a well penned clean and sweet romance. I will certainly read her other books!
November 18, 2019
Well written and enticing
I really enjoyed this book. It has been well researched, no Americanisms, and totally believable. Well rounded characters and settings. Having recently visited Bath, where this story is set, I can even picture it all. Well done and such a shame there won't be more.
I really enjoyed this book. It has been well researched, no Americanisms, and totally believable. Well rounded characters and settings. Having recently visited Bath, where this story is set, I can even picture it all. Well done and such a shame there won't be more.
January 3, 2020
Unexpectedly funny.
I greatly enjoy the close attention this author paid to the speech and manners of the period she wrote about. I was also pleasantly surprised at the humor she slipped in when you least expect it. I laughed out loud several times. Will keep reading her books til I run out.
I greatly enjoy the close attention this author paid to the speech and manners of the period she wrote about. I was also pleasantly surprised at the humor she slipped in when you least expect it. I laughed out loud several times. Will keep reading her books til I run out.
May 31, 2019
A light-hearted and entertaining Regency romance, set (mostly) in Bath. I greatly enjoyed this book, although it seemed quite long, it made me laugh multiple times, and has a very satisfactory ending. As with other books by this author, almost as good as Georgette Heyer (which is a high accolade).
June 1, 2019
New author for me
Having always been a fan of georgette heyer I am delighted to find these. I live in Brighton and often find utter nonsense written about the town and places like Bath that irritate me to death!! These are a very happy find!!
Having always been a fan of georgette heyer I am delighted to find these. I live in Brighton and often find utter nonsense written about the town and places like Bath that irritate me to death!! These are a very happy find!!
October 18, 2019
I really enjoyed this romance with a twist of mystery. Fans of Jane Austen or a good period drama will like this one. A little rambly in parts and repetitive in others. However, I really enjoyed the storyline and the book is well-written.
August 21, 2020
A Charming Romance
Any one of the romances by Alice Chetwynd Ley are well worth reading. An "older" heroine ( 26!) not willing to marry except for true love, and a hero who shoots himself in the foot every time he opens his mouth. But love prevails as it always should.
Any one of the romances by Alice Chetwynd Ley are well worth reading. An "older" heroine ( 26!) not willing to marry except for true love, and a hero who shoots himself in the foot every time he opens his mouth. But love prevails as it always should.
December 17, 2021
I love the period appropriateness of Ley’s works. I did like the MCs in this one I just wish they had time together in Bath. They went from being together quite a bit in the country to never seeing each other in Bath yet they somehow fell in love. Kisses only
May 10, 2022
It's okay, just not my cup of tea. I liked the first part but as the story progressed, I didn't like some actions from the heroine and other characters. It felt like too much was going on outside the romance.
September 13, 2022
A Conformable Wife
I loved this book. The characters are so well drawn. Another delightful read from this very talented
Author. I would reccomend it to anyone who loves Historical Romances.
I loved this book. The characters are so well drawn. Another delightful read from this very talented
Author. I would reccomend it to anyone who loves Historical Romances.
May 7, 2025
Standard Regency romance from one of Heyer’s better imitators. Elements of the plot are reminiscent of ‘Sprig Muslin’ and ‘The Tollgate,’ but there are grimmer aspects, such as blackmail, card-sharping and the abduction of schoolgirls, adding the tension that makes the novel interesting.
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