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A House for the Season #3
The Wicked Godmother
With Each London Season, an Enchanting Romance Moves into the Fashionable Town House at number 67 Clarges Street. And There Below Stairs the Staff Has a Special Mission--to Arrange a Match...to Hatch a Scheme ... to Bring Love Home to
A HOUSE FOR THE SEASON
Lovely but penniless Harriet Metcalf is aghast when a nobleman's will names her guardian of his snobbish twin daughters when they come out during the next London Season! But is innocent Harriet wily enough for the intrigues of the ton-or its two most eligible bachelors, the Marquess of Huntingdon and Lord Vere? Harriet sees them as suitors for the twins, while the gentlemen see only Harriet's charms. Soon she is falling in love with one of the dashing rakes... but a cruel betrayal will be her ruin unless the Clarges Street servants can save a lady's honor when she loses her heart.
A HOUSE FOR THE SEASON
Lovely but penniless Harriet Metcalf is aghast when a nobleman's will names her guardian of his snobbish twin daughters when they come out during the next London Season! But is innocent Harriet wily enough for the intrigues of the ton-or its two most eligible bachelors, the Marquess of Huntingdon and Lord Vere? Harriet sees them as suitors for the twins, while the gentlemen see only Harriet's charms. Soon she is falling in love with one of the dashing rakes... but a cruel betrayal will be her ruin unless the Clarges Street servants can save a lady's honor when she loses her heart.
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First published January 1, 1987
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About the author
Marion Chesney
144 books753 followersMarion Chesney Gibbons
aka: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, M.C. Beaton, Sarah Chester.
Marion Chesney was born on 1936 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK, and started her first job as a bookseller in charge of the fiction department in John Smith & Sons Ltd. While bookselling, by chance, she got an offer from the Scottish Daily Mail to review variety shows and quickly rose to be their theatre critic. She left Smith’s to join Scottish Field magazine as a secretary in the advertising department, without any shorthand or typing, but quickly got the job of fashion editor instead. She then moved to the Scottish Daily Express where she reported mostly on crime. This was followed by a move to Fleet Street to the Daily Express where she became chief woman reporter. After marrying Harry Scott Gibbons and having a son, Charles, Marion went to the United States where Harry had been offered the job of editor of the Oyster Bay Guardian. When that didn’t work out, they went to Virginia and Marion worked as a waitress in a greasy spoon on the Jefferson Davies in Alexandria while Harry washed the dishes. Both then got jobs on Rupert Murdoch’s new tabloid, The Star, and moved to New York.
Anxious to spend more time at home with her small son, Marion, urged by her husband, started to write historical romances in 1977. After she had written over 100 of them under her maiden name, Marion Chesney, and under the pseudonyms: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, and Sarah Chester, she getting fed up with 1714 to 1910, she began to write detectives stories in 1985 under the pseudonym of M. C. Beaton. On a trip from the States to Sutherland on holiday, a course at a fishing school inspired the first Constable Hamish Macbeth story. They returned to Britain and bought a croft house and croft in Sutherland where Harry reared a flock of black sheep. But Charles was at school, in London so when he finished and both tired of the long commute to the north of Scotland, they moved to the Cotswolds where Agatha Raisin was created.
aka: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, M.C. Beaton, Sarah Chester.
Marion Chesney was born on 1936 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK, and started her first job as a bookseller in charge of the fiction department in John Smith & Sons Ltd. While bookselling, by chance, she got an offer from the Scottish Daily Mail to review variety shows and quickly rose to be their theatre critic. She left Smith’s to join Scottish Field magazine as a secretary in the advertising department, without any shorthand or typing, but quickly got the job of fashion editor instead. She then moved to the Scottish Daily Express where she reported mostly on crime. This was followed by a move to Fleet Street to the Daily Express where she became chief woman reporter. After marrying Harry Scott Gibbons and having a son, Charles, Marion went to the United States where Harry had been offered the job of editor of the Oyster Bay Guardian. When that didn’t work out, they went to Virginia and Marion worked as a waitress in a greasy spoon on the Jefferson Davies in Alexandria while Harry washed the dishes. Both then got jobs on Rupert Murdoch’s new tabloid, The Star, and moved to New York.
Anxious to spend more time at home with her small son, Marion, urged by her husband, started to write historical romances in 1977. After she had written over 100 of them under her maiden name, Marion Chesney, and under the pseudonyms: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, and Sarah Chester, she getting fed up with 1714 to 1910, she began to write detectives stories in 1985 under the pseudonym of M. C. Beaton. On a trip from the States to Sutherland on holiday, a course at a fishing school inspired the first Constable Hamish Macbeth story. They returned to Britain and bought a croft house and croft in Sutherland where Harry reared a flock of black sheep. But Charles was at school, in London so when he finished and both tired of the long commute to the north of Scotland, they moved to the Cotswolds where Agatha Raisin was created.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
September 26, 2024
A Rollicking Good Time!
These regency period romances are a great delight for me. The reason is because the action and romance takes place during the regency period in London.
The Wicked Godmother is a fantastic book. It is about the possible romance between Miss Harriet Metcalfe and the Marquess of Huntington. And Huntington’s best friend, Lord Vere. And Harriet’s twin nieces, Annabelle and Sarah. And the servants who work at 67 Claredges Street. A lot of people.
But although the book contains a boat load of characters, they are all different and are not confusing with other characters.
Well, like any other regency romance, you have the love birds, jealousy, anger and
the secrets.
I’m satisfied with this book. I really love it. And I have enjoyed reading it.
It gets five fabulous stars. 💫💫💫💫💫
These regency period romances are a great delight for me. The reason is because the action and romance takes place during the regency period in London.
The Wicked Godmother is a fantastic book. It is about the possible romance between Miss Harriet Metcalfe and the Marquess of Huntington. And Huntington’s best friend, Lord Vere. And Harriet’s twin nieces, Annabelle and Sarah. And the servants who work at 67 Claredges Street. A lot of people.
But although the book contains a boat load of characters, they are all different and are not confusing with other characters.
Well, like any other regency romance, you have the love birds, jealousy, anger and
the secrets.
I’m satisfied with this book. I really love it. And I have enjoyed reading it.
It gets five fabulous stars. 💫💫💫💫💫
June 24, 2019
Rating: 4 stars
A variation on Cinderella except--
The impoverished Harriet Metcalf is godmother and guardian to a pair of snide, insecure, narcissistic debutante twins whose only talent is ruining the lives of those too blind to see what they are.
Despicable. Scheming. Sociopaths. Delusional. Unlovable. Even by their own father.
Harriet is delusional in her blindness and devotion to Annabelle and Sarah. Her only crime is that she honest to a fault, naive and quite hot. She is also blind to other things like her emotions and who she actually is. Clueless when she falls in love with the rakish, playboy Marquess who deserved to be taken down a peg or two. Which makes this book fun once Harriet is forced to discover The Truth.
Rainbird and crew are supporting figures overall but their roles and characters are evolving to new heights. It was great seeing Lizzy grow into her own. I liked Harriet's spinster friend, Josephine Spencer, who was an excellent foil to her friend and later a surprise.
Another thrilling installment, with loads of hysterically funny scenes with Harriet's uncouth, scruffy--and brilliant--dog, Beauty, leading the charge. Life at #67 Clarges Street seems to be shifting for this address despite its previous history and the efforts of the vicious and vile Mr. Palmer.
A variation on Cinderella except--
The impoverished Harriet Metcalf is godmother and guardian to a pair of snide, insecure, narcissistic debutante twins whose only talent is ruining the lives of those too blind to see what they are.
Despicable. Scheming. Sociopaths. Delusional. Unlovable. Even by their own father.
Harriet is delusional in her blindness and devotion to Annabelle and Sarah. Her only crime is that she honest to a fault, naive and quite hot. She is also blind to other things like her emotions and who she actually is. Clueless when she falls in love with the rakish, playboy Marquess who deserved to be taken down a peg or two. Which makes this book fun once Harriet is forced to discover The Truth.
Rainbird and crew are supporting figures overall but their roles and characters are evolving to new heights. It was great seeing Lizzy grow into her own. I liked Harriet's spinster friend, Josephine Spencer, who was an excellent foil to her friend and later a surprise.
Another thrilling installment, with loads of hysterically funny scenes with Harriet's uncouth, scruffy--and brilliant--dog, Beauty, leading the charge. Life at #67 Clarges Street seems to be shifting for this address despite its previous history and the efforts of the vicious and vile Mr. Palmer.
February 11, 2024
My review disappeared! There are already good reviews on GR, so I don't need to explain the plot. This was entertaining and well written regency romance well researched. The heroine, Harriet has a DOG that helped her deal with her loneliness. He was important to the plot and deserves five stars. It is from the six-novel series, A House for the Season. The heroine was a bit annoying in that she was too kind to her spoiled 18 year old twin female wards and was self effacing, which of course created difficulties to be overcome.
I like the way the author makes us aware of the horrendous and extreme differences between the servants and the wealthy upperclass in London. The authors shows this as a natural part of the action in telling the story. (It is commonly accepted that the servants are not allowed to marry during their employment.)The group of servants lead by a talented and wise butler remain in the house that is rented to a different tenant each year during the marriage-partner-hunting season of continual balls and social events for the gentry.
The little scullery maid, at the lowest servant level, is looked down upon by her fellow servants. Harriet, mistress for the season, decides to help her become educated and volunteers to teach her. This changes her attitude and gives her hope of eventually gaining a higher position as perhaps a lady's maid. The other servants become interested in learning and join her in her studies. I didn't read these novels in order and don't feel I missed out on any thing or came across spoilers, but you might prefer to read them in order, since the servants situations are followed from year to year.
I like the way the author makes us aware of the horrendous and extreme differences between the servants and the wealthy upperclass in London. The authors shows this as a natural part of the action in telling the story. (It is commonly accepted that the servants are not allowed to marry during their employment.)The group of servants lead by a talented and wise butler remain in the house that is rented to a different tenant each year during the marriage-partner-hunting season of continual balls and social events for the gentry.
The little scullery maid, at the lowest servant level, is looked down upon by her fellow servants. Harriet, mistress for the season, decides to help her become educated and volunteers to teach her. This changes her attitude and gives her hope of eventually gaining a higher position as perhaps a lady's maid. The other servants become interested in learning and join her in her studies. I didn't read these novels in order and don't feel I missed out on any thing or came across spoilers, but you might prefer to read them in order, since the servants situations are followed from year to year.
November 10, 2022
Quite honestly it's mediocre.
The heroine is such a witless wonder I found this book an unpalatable 1 star until this little bit appeared:
“It is you, and you alone, who makes me feel like a slavering monster.” [this is the hero]
Harriet’s kind heart was touched. [the heroine. Well, whose wouldn't be???]
direct to you from: Beaton, M. C. (2014-01-16). The Wicked Godmother (A House for the Season Book 3) (Kindle Locations 2516-2517). RosettaBooks. Kindle Edition.
I'm still laughing. So 2 stars.
The heroine is such a witless wonder I found this book an unpalatable 1 star until this little bit appeared:
“It is you, and you alone, who makes me feel like a slavering monster.” [this is the hero]
Harriet’s kind heart was touched. [the heroine. Well, whose wouldn't be???]
direct to you from: Beaton, M. C. (2014-01-16). The Wicked Godmother (A House for the Season Book 3) (Kindle Locations 2516-2517). RosettaBooks. Kindle Edition.
I'm still laughing. So 2 stars.
July 16, 2015
romanzetto gradevole, con personaggi simpatici (molti dei quali incontrati nelle puntate precedenti), storia leggera ma godibile e descrizioni della vita londinese durante la stagione mondana. perfetto per svagarsi con lievità, senza avere aspettative troppo alte.
November 4, 2016
This is the third book in the "A House For The Season" by M. C. Beaton writing as Marion Chesney and it was an excellent addition to the series. There are currently six books in the series.
The series is about a series of residents who rent the home at 67 Clarges Street in Mayfair. The house is known as a bad luck house because the previous owner (a duke) killed himself in the house. Since then, all of the residents have had very bad luck befall them - the daughter of one family died, one family lost ALL of their money, etc. The house is available to rent for a give-away rate and is fully staffed by an odd grouping of servants. The servants are very poorly paid, but can't leave because they are all being blackmailed by the property manager to make them stay. They have become like family to each other and I think you'll enjoy getting to know them -- and seeing them manage and help each of the tenants.
This season's residents are beautiful but penniless Harriet Metcalf and her two goddaughters. Harriet is in shock to find she's been named to manage the estate and to bring out the daughters of her good friend. The friend is an older gentleman who treats Harriet like a daughter. This story is sort of a weird twist on the Cinderella story. Weird in that the Godmother is Cinderella -- and well -- the two sisters are the wicked step-sisters.
Harriet has been brought up to believe that NOBODY in society marry for love -- that they ONLY marry for dowries. So, she never, ever expects to marry because she has no dowry. It absolutely never even occurs to her that the two very eligible gentlemen who come calling are actually interested in her and not her charges.
Both propose to her -- both are turned down by her -- but one of them wins her in the end. You'll have to read the book to find out who wins her -- and how the staff of Number 67 Clarges Street pull out all the stops to get the two together.
The series is about a series of residents who rent the home at 67 Clarges Street in Mayfair. The house is known as a bad luck house because the previous owner (a duke) killed himself in the house. Since then, all of the residents have had very bad luck befall them - the daughter of one family died, one family lost ALL of their money, etc. The house is available to rent for a give-away rate and is fully staffed by an odd grouping of servants. The servants are very poorly paid, but can't leave because they are all being blackmailed by the property manager to make them stay. They have become like family to each other and I think you'll enjoy getting to know them -- and seeing them manage and help each of the tenants.
This season's residents are beautiful but penniless Harriet Metcalf and her two goddaughters. Harriet is in shock to find she's been named to manage the estate and to bring out the daughters of her good friend. The friend is an older gentleman who treats Harriet like a daughter. This story is sort of a weird twist on the Cinderella story. Weird in that the Godmother is Cinderella -- and well -- the two sisters are the wicked step-sisters.
Harriet has been brought up to believe that NOBODY in society marry for love -- that they ONLY marry for dowries. So, she never, ever expects to marry because she has no dowry. It absolutely never even occurs to her that the two very eligible gentlemen who come calling are actually interested in her and not her charges.
Both propose to her -- both are turned down by her -- but one of them wins her in the end. You'll have to read the book to find out who wins her -- and how the staff of Number 67 Clarges Street pull out all the stops to get the two together.
July 5, 2015
Un romanzo gradevole e divertente, tanti buoni sentimenti e un lieto fine un po' scontato.
Il punto di forza della serie rimane la caratterizzazione dei domestici del 67 di Clarges Street, ma anche, in questo volume, il cane Beauty, una vera forza della natura.
I personaggi aristocratici sono sempre un po' monotoni, eccessivi nei loro tratti e nei comportamenti. Harriet è troppo ingenua e nulla sembra in grado di darle una svegliata,; il marchese, per essere un uomo di mondo, si innamora con una facilità estrema dell'ingenuotta di turno e non trova mai un modo appropriato per esprimere i propri sentimenti; le gemelle Sarah e Annabelle sono degne eredi di Anastasia e Genoveffa; la cameriera Emily ha un comportamento incomprensibile. Si salva Miss Spencer, che sul finale del libro ha anche la sua bella ricompensa per essere stata una amica sincera.
Il punto di forza della serie rimane la caratterizzazione dei domestici del 67 di Clarges Street, ma anche, in questo volume, il cane Beauty, una vera forza della natura.
I personaggi aristocratici sono sempre un po' monotoni, eccessivi nei loro tratti e nei comportamenti. Harriet è troppo ingenua e nulla sembra in grado di darle una svegliata,; il marchese, per essere un uomo di mondo, si innamora con una facilità estrema dell'ingenuotta di turno e non trova mai un modo appropriato per esprimere i propri sentimenti; le gemelle Sarah e Annabelle sono degne eredi di Anastasia e Genoveffa; la cameriera Emily ha un comportamento incomprensibile. Si salva Miss Spencer, che sul finale del libro ha anche la sua bella ricompensa per essere stata una amica sincera.
January 27, 2021
Più divertente dei primi due libri della serie. Resta sempre il grande mistero di come faccia a innamorarsi la coppia di turno - è sempre un grande punto interrogativo - ma almeno questa volta i due interagiscono svariate volte, dunque il risultato non sorprende più di tanto. Una mirabile macchietta è il personaggio del cane Beauty, tranquillo e pacioso sino a quando soffre d'otite, e pronto a far danni quando torna in salute. E' proprio grazie a lui che la coppia si conosce. Il gruppetto dei domestici di Clarges Street 67 è determinante nell'indirizzare la propria padrona verso il classico lieto fine.
July 27, 2016
this is the third book in a seven book series. Another fun easy read. Again we are at the cursed house with the charming servants. This year it is a young chaperone and her insolent charges. When their father dies the twins are awarded to Miss Harriet Metcalf. They don't like her and try to make her life miserable. Luckily she attracts plenty of suitors, unlikely her nasty little charges do not and their jealous makes her life difficult.
September 15, 2016
Malgrado la storia non sia originalissima è stata una lettura gradevole. C'è cura del dettaglio storico, lo stile narrativo è scorrevole..Certo Harriet l'ho trovata un po' naive, a tratti troppo ingenua e fiduciosa, per non dire credulona. Fortunatamente la servitù ci ha messo, come sempre, lo zampino... :p
September 2, 2018
Another fun and feisty Regency romance from Chesney. I don't know if I love the staff of A House for the Season series as much as the Poor Relations, but I'm enjoying them more and more. Loved the Godmother and the way Lizzie and Rainbird get to shine as they help her out.
April 24, 2023
Some parts were absurdly funny (like "the first marital quarrel in Huntingdon's mind"), others a bit too annoying (like Harriet's sharp tongue with Huntingdon - not fitting to her personality). But I love the idea, chosen characters, background stories, etc.
[3.5-4 stars]
[3.5-4 stars]
September 11, 2013
Why do I do it? Why do I keep reading trashy Regency novels by MC Beaton?
July 19, 2016
Booktubathon book #2 - book older than me
June 17, 2017
This is a review of "A House for the Season":
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
July 28, 2022
I liked this one, despite the fact that the beautiful and too good to be true heroine is a naive ninny who almost gets ruined by her own vicious god daughters and the evil OW. 😳
August 26, 2022
Another dramatic story of the comings and goings of the upstairs, downstairs residents of a "cursed" house. Who will benefit this season from connections with the house? Or who will experience its ill effects?
January 16, 2021
3.5 stars. Fun series. Love the servants at 67 Clarges St.
March 15, 2025
2025: Still funny and farcical, but lowered my rating for this one. I think Chesney’s other regency series, like The Poor Relation and School for Manners, had funnier, more farcical story lines and characters. She also got better at balancing the “guest” characters, coming to London for the season and having a romance, with the recurring “regulars” of her many six-book series. Here, she’s trying to manage all of the servant characters and their hopes and dreams, along with a H and h and their assorted friends, and it’s a bit all over the place.
2013: After recently rereading after 20 years or so, I think this book and "Rake's Progress" (number 4 in the "House for a Season" series) have held up the best. I also reread number 6, "Marrying Harriet" and found the beginning of an annoying habit I have since become resigned to in Beaton's multiple series, mystery and romance - spending way too many of the precious few pages winding up tons of extraneous plot points and characters accrued over the life of the series, stretching any actual plot for the last book into a bloated, nonsensical mess! It's almost as if the author just can't bear to leave one character, no matter how minor, unaccounted for, and tries to squeeze them all in whether they fit or not...
This story, however, was funny, farcical and light, just what you'd expect in a Regency romp - Harriet Metcalfe rents 67 Clarges Street to launch her beloved wards, 18-year-old twin heiresses, into the haute ton. Harriet is a pretty, soft-spoken, loving country mouse who doesn't realize her wards despise her because they believe she stole their father's affection and manipulated him into making her their guardian so she could live well off of their inheritance. I wanted to strangle Harriet for being so blind to the twins' real natures, but once they start spreading poisonous gossip about Harriet in London (as they did in their village), she finally wises up and enlists the aid of Rainbird and the other servants of 67 Clarges Street to counteract the gossip. Great fun to see ol' wimpy Harriet sprout a spine and put the girls in their place - all while juggling two charming rakes vying for her attention (she of course assumes they are interested in her bratty charges!) The recurring servant characters are charming and add a lot to the plot and the reader's understanding of Regency society among the giddy heights of the ton, and the often miserable role of servants. Recommended to Regency fans who enjoy a quick, light read with a dash of romance (no sexy stuff), a bit of historical perspective, farcical situations and some snappy dialogue. Fun escapism!
2013: After recently rereading after 20 years or so, I think this book and "Rake's Progress" (number 4 in the "House for a Season" series) have held up the best. I also reread number 6, "Marrying Harriet" and found the beginning of an annoying habit I have since become resigned to in Beaton's multiple series, mystery and romance - spending way too many of the precious few pages winding up tons of extraneous plot points and characters accrued over the life of the series, stretching any actual plot for the last book into a bloated, nonsensical mess! It's almost as if the author just can't bear to leave one character, no matter how minor, unaccounted for, and tries to squeeze them all in whether they fit or not...
This story, however, was funny, farcical and light, just what you'd expect in a Regency romp - Harriet Metcalfe rents 67 Clarges Street to launch her beloved wards, 18-year-old twin heiresses, into the haute ton. Harriet is a pretty, soft-spoken, loving country mouse who doesn't realize her wards despise her because they believe she stole their father's affection and manipulated him into making her their guardian so she could live well off of their inheritance. I wanted to strangle Harriet for being so blind to the twins' real natures, but once they start spreading poisonous gossip about Harriet in London (as they did in their village), she finally wises up and enlists the aid of Rainbird and the other servants of 67 Clarges Street to counteract the gossip. Great fun to see ol' wimpy Harriet sprout a spine and put the girls in their place - all while juggling two charming rakes vying for her attention (she of course assumes they are interested in her bratty charges!) The recurring servant characters are charming and add a lot to the plot and the reader's understanding of Regency society among the giddy heights of the ton, and the often miserable role of servants. Recommended to Regency fans who enjoy a quick, light read with a dash of romance (no sexy stuff), a bit of historical perspective, farcical situations and some snappy dialogue. Fun escapism!
August 23, 2021
3 - 3 1/2 Stars
I have enjoyed this six-book series. This is the third. Although, I have enjoyed them all, I liked this book the least. It is well written. My issue was with the heroine Harriet. She was just too naïve for me; almost beyond belief. For example, she steadfastly refused to see the true character of her wards (twin females). They played her false. However, even when irreputable evidence presented itself she was still reluctant. On the other hand, she had no problem thinking the worst of our hero, Marquess of Huntingdon and telling him what she thought of him. She was appalling rude to him several times. And her actions several times were just foolish. Stupid even. Then there was also her refusal to recognize that she could attract ANY member of the opposite sex (without a dowry). Even when folks told her differently. Sigh.
Our hero is very handsome, rich and titled. He’s a catch and he knows it. So maybe just a little bit conceited...er...overly confident in himself and his attractiveness. But he quickly fell for Harriet (despite her behavior towards him). She fell for him too. I did not count much actual interactions between these two for this to happen but hey, whatever. This is not really meant to be realistic.
Then we have the interactions of the real stars of this book/series. The servants. My favorite is Rainbird. He is still smarting over the love of his life's going away. Greater heartbreak is in store for him. Lizzy finally begins to break free more from her feelings for Joseph and recognize her worth. She plays a prominent part in this book. There are secondary characters: The awful twins/wards, Lore Vere (a rival admirer for Harriet's affections), a few others BUT not least Beauty (?) the dog.
Content: It's clean-ish. There's some passionate kissing near the end and some fondling.
I have enjoyed this six-book series. This is the third. Although, I have enjoyed them all, I liked this book the least. It is well written. My issue was with the heroine Harriet. She was just too naïve for me; almost beyond belief. For example, she steadfastly refused to see the true character of her wards (twin females). They played her false. However, even when irreputable evidence presented itself she was still reluctant. On the other hand, she had no problem thinking the worst of our hero, Marquess of Huntingdon and telling him what she thought of him. She was appalling rude to him several times. And her actions several times were just foolish. Stupid even. Then there was also her refusal to recognize that she could attract ANY member of the opposite sex (without a dowry). Even when folks told her differently. Sigh.
Our hero is very handsome, rich and titled. He’s a catch and he knows it. So maybe just a little bit conceited...er...overly confident in himself and his attractiveness. But he quickly fell for Harriet (despite her behavior towards him). She fell for him too. I did not count much actual interactions between these two for this to happen but hey, whatever. This is not really meant to be realistic.
Then we have the interactions of the real stars of this book/series. The servants. My favorite is Rainbird. He is still smarting over the love of his life's going away. Greater heartbreak is in store for him. Lizzy finally begins to break free more from her feelings for Joseph and recognize her worth. She plays a prominent part in this book. There are secondary characters: The awful twins/wards, Lore Vere (a rival admirer for Harriet's affections), a few others BUT not least Beauty (?) the dog.
Content: It's clean-ish. There's some passionate kissing near the end and some fondling.
October 22, 2021
The first half was boring. And the ruckuses concerning Beauty weren't funny. Maybe it was partly because I rather fear big dogs. But I'm sure that's not all.
Another reason is probably because I wasn't particularly interested in Harriet or Huntingdon, or their romance.
I especially didn't like Huntingdon. I understand , but still, his misogynistic thinking didn't sit well with me. Plus, he nearly . Well, he was rather kind with Lizzie, though. I give him that.
Furthermore, there was too much evilness in this book for my taste.
I don't expect a romance book to tell me how evil people can be. Nor would I want that. I want something more...hopeful, and heartwarming.
I was also disappointed by the relationship between Lizzie and Joseph in this book.
Another reason is probably because I wasn't particularly interested in Harriet or Huntingdon, or their romance.
I especially didn't like Huntingdon. I understand , but still, his misogynistic thinking didn't sit well with me. Plus, he nearly . Well, he was rather kind with Lizzie, though. I give him that.
Furthermore, there was too much evilness in this book for my taste.
I don't expect a romance book to tell me how evil people can be. Nor would I want that. I want something more...hopeful, and heartwarming.
I was also disappointed by the relationship between Lizzie and Joseph in this book.
February 7, 2014
Twenty-five year old country beauty Harriet Metcalf is made godmother to the eighteen-year-old twins of Sir Benjamin Hayner, a neighbor and close friend. Harriet takes the twins off the London for the Season to stay at 67 Clarges Street and hopes to find husbands for the twins. She thinks she's found suitable matches in the Marquess of Huntingdon and his friend, Lord Vere, but the gentlemen may have interest elsewhere that Harriet did not expect, especially since every time she meets the Marquess, disaster lies in the way and quarrels ensue. Harriet can't ignore the strange feelings she has for the Marquess any more than she can ignore the nasty gossip about her spreading around town. She turns to the servants for help and they are only too happy to make things right for the kind and generous tenant they have grown to care for. I liked this book best of the series so far. Harriet was a little too sweet and naive for my tastes, but I liked the Marquess. He was a nicely rounded character with motives behind his rakishness. I also liked how this story stuck mainly to the romance/comedy of manners plot than veering off into an adventure.
June 10, 2019
I must admit I found this book quite refreshing in the fact that it ventured down a slightly different path than the prior novels. Whilst we still had the presentation of two young women to London society, in this instance the plot focused on their chaperon, Harriet Metcalf, who was scarcely older than her charges.
I feel this was beneficial as it allowed for a more mature plotline, which given the repetitive nature of the books was a relief. I am also of the impression that perhaps it presented a more realistic glimpse of how London operated in the Regency period.
So whilst there was a romance proceeding along the usual lines initial, it veered in more interesting territory and I found I was glued to the page. Additionally Marion Chesney didn’t forsake the staple characters and I was delighted that she not only gave them their own distinct plotline but also developed the characters so they seemed more believable in the backdrop.
In all honesty I think this has been my favourite of the series so far and I think anyone looking for a historical romance with a bit of bite will enjoy it immensely.
I feel this was beneficial as it allowed for a more mature plotline, which given the repetitive nature of the books was a relief. I am also of the impression that perhaps it presented a more realistic glimpse of how London operated in the Regency period.
So whilst there was a romance proceeding along the usual lines initial, it veered in more interesting territory and I found I was glued to the page. Additionally Marion Chesney didn’t forsake the staple characters and I was delighted that she not only gave them their own distinct plotline but also developed the characters so they seemed more believable in the backdrop.
In all honesty I think this has been my favourite of the series so far and I think anyone looking for a historical romance with a bit of bite will enjoy it immensely.
Read
April 12, 2013I remember reading a slew of Marion Chesney novels when my children were very young. They were just the right kind of light, mindless entertainment that I needed at the time. I had to read things that were very put-downable … books that would not consume me. My free time to read was very limited.
Basically, all of the books in any given Marion Chesney series were the same book. She had a formula, and stuck to it. She changed names, places and circumstances, but the basic plots remained identical. They were all set during the Regency (a period in history that I still adore to this day), and they were all usually under 200 pages each. The writing was simplistic, and really gave you nothing to ponder. These books fit the bill for me perfectly at the time.
Considering the number of books she has cranked out (Wikipedia lists 106 books under her own name and her pseudonyms), I’m not surprised that she does not write “great works of fiction”.
So I figured that since they were really all the same book, the same review would suffice!
Basically, all of the books in any given Marion Chesney series were the same book. She had a formula, and stuck to it. She changed names, places and circumstances, but the basic plots remained identical. They were all set during the Regency (a period in history that I still adore to this day), and they were all usually under 200 pages each. The writing was simplistic, and really gave you nothing to ponder. These books fit the bill for me perfectly at the time.
Considering the number of books she has cranked out (Wikipedia lists 106 books under her own name and her pseudonyms), I’m not surprised that she does not write “great works of fiction”.
So I figured that since they were really all the same book, the same review would suffice!
September 18, 2014
Another year and another season for 67 Clarges Street.
The Lovers
Not my favourite so far.
Harriet (the heroine) was irritatingly naive in this book nearly o the point of me putting the book down. She made some of the silliest, unsafe decisions and was blind to the actions of others that should have been glaringly obvious. It really grated on my nerves after a while and then when she did finally find out the truth I felt a little cheated by the outcome.
The hero was a numpty at one point and very nearly crossed the line in his actions towards the heroine which sent my opinion of him plummeting.
As far as the supporting characters go I loved Harriet's spinster friend. She was lovely and only wanted the best for Harriet.
The Staff
The romance(ish) with Rainbird from book two continues (kind of) in this book. I just wanted that side of the story to be over. I didn't like a mopey Rainbird at all.
All in All
Not my favourite so far...
The Lovers
Not my favourite so far.
Harriet (the heroine) was irritatingly naive in this book nearly o the point of me putting the book down. She made some of the silliest, unsafe decisions and was blind to the actions of others that should have been glaringly obvious. It really grated on my nerves after a while and then when she did finally find out the truth I felt a little cheated by the outcome.
The hero was a numpty at one point and very nearly crossed the line in his actions towards the heroine which sent my opinion of him plummeting.
As far as the supporting characters go I loved Harriet's spinster friend. She was lovely and only wanted the best for Harriet.
The Staff
The romance(ish) with Rainbird from book two continues (kind of) in this book. I just wanted that side of the story to be over. I didn't like a mopey Rainbird at all.
All in All
Not my favourite so far...
January 26, 2023
Utter boring book.The heroine is stupid with hardly any brains but only her good looks save her, and she ends up marrying a Marques, though I wonder what he saw in her.Tge servants at Clarges Street were brilliant aa usual.
January 17, 2024
ok this was the worst one yet because the “romance” was just the H/h being annoyed and rude yet attracted to each other at the same time? There wasn’t even banter, just sniping
July 15, 2024
Overly dramatic. I felt like I was reading the silent movie portion of “Singing in the Rain.” “I love you.” “ I hate you.” I love you.” “I never want to see you again.” Blah
March 2, 2020
Harriet, venticinque anni, orfana, povera e nubile, viene lasciata – in modo un po’ inopportuno – custode di due gemelle diciottenni dal padre di queste. Deve accompagnarle fino ai loro ventun anni, possibilmente facendole sposare. È così che Harriet affitta il 67 di Clarges Street, tentando di trovare loro un marito. Ben presto inizia la routine della Stagione e la speciale servitù, che i lettori della serie ben conoscono, si prodiga per aiutare Harriet nel suo non facile compito: le gemelle, in effetti, sono odiose e detestano la loro madrina. Quando poi si accorgono che i partiti più affascinanti sembrano essere più interessati a lei che a loro…
La perfida madrina è una commedia dal tipico humor inglese, che ricorda i romanzi di Jane Austen e i film di Hugh Grant. La serie di romanzi storici è infatti ambientata nella Londra dell'epoca della Reggenza, più specificatamente durante la Stagione, ovvero quel periodo che andava dalla primavera all’estate durante il quale facevano il loro debutto in società le signorine in cerca di marito e tra balli e cene si organizzavano matrimoni tra la ricca gioventù inglese.
La Beaton usa un registro stilistico ineccepibile, lontano anni luce da quello usato per le serie gialle.
I dialoghi sono scritti con gusto e in alcuni casi sono davvero esilaranti e pungenti.
Anche le descrizioni sono molto accurate e l’ambientazione appare ben documentata.
Il libro si legge con facilità perché lo stile della Beaton è accattivante. La perfida madrina, però non è solo una commedia frizzante, ma sottende anche una sottile critica alla società inglese.
Harriet è una giovane orfana che vive di poche sostanze, è una ragazza graziosa, dolce e remissiva, un’anima candida che non conosce il mondo è che si ritrova a badare a due ragazze poco più piccole di lei e verso le quali si sente in soggezione.
Sarah e Annabelle, questi i loro nomi, sono invece la peggiore espressione della ricca società di campagna. Padroneggiano le maniere da salotto: “una sorta di putibonda femminilità fatta di risatine soffocate, sventagliamenti, occhi alzati al cielo è una conversazione confinata agli argomenti più banali” ma sotto sotto sono vendicative e manipolatrici, sono loro le vere perfide della situazione.
Per Harriet però le due sorelle sono delle signorine molto ben educate, dal comportamento ineccepibile, per cui ritiene impossibile che siano state proprio loro a mettere in circolazione spregevoli insinuazioni sul suo conto.
I veri protagonisti del libro e della serie però sono la casa al numero 67 Clarges Street e i domestici che la abitano.
Da quando si è diffusa la voce che la casa è maledetta, dopo il suicidio del nono duca di Pelham, l'attuale decimo duca ha deciso di affittarla per la Stagione.
Così per gran parte dell'anno la casa è abitata solo dalla servitù: il maggiordomo Rainbird, il cuoco Angus MacGregor, la governante Mrs Middleton, le cameriere Jenny e Alice, Joseph il valletto e gli sguatteri Lizzie e Dave. Questi con le loro storie e peculiarità costituiscono una famiglia un po' sgangherata che deve fare i conti con l’intermediario del duca, il signor Palmer, che intasca parte del loro stipendio sotto la minaccia di un licenziamento senza referenze. La servitù, quindi, conta sugli affittuari per rimpinguare le loro magre sostanze.
Rainbird e gli altri, nonostante la sfortunata condizione, si distinguono per il loro buon cuore e aiuteranno Miss Harriet a dare una lezione alle due viziate sorelle e a vincere il cuore del suo spasimante.
La perfida madrina è una commedia dal tipico humor inglese, che ricorda i romanzi di Jane Austen e i film di Hugh Grant. La serie di romanzi storici è infatti ambientata nella Londra dell'epoca della Reggenza, più specificatamente durante la Stagione, ovvero quel periodo che andava dalla primavera all’estate durante il quale facevano il loro debutto in società le signorine in cerca di marito e tra balli e cene si organizzavano matrimoni tra la ricca gioventù inglese.
La Beaton usa un registro stilistico ineccepibile, lontano anni luce da quello usato per le serie gialle.
I dialoghi sono scritti con gusto e in alcuni casi sono davvero esilaranti e pungenti.
Anche le descrizioni sono molto accurate e l’ambientazione appare ben documentata.
Il libro si legge con facilità perché lo stile della Beaton è accattivante. La perfida madrina, però non è solo una commedia frizzante, ma sottende anche una sottile critica alla società inglese.
Harriet è una giovane orfana che vive di poche sostanze, è una ragazza graziosa, dolce e remissiva, un’anima candida che non conosce il mondo è che si ritrova a badare a due ragazze poco più piccole di lei e verso le quali si sente in soggezione.
Sarah e Annabelle, questi i loro nomi, sono invece la peggiore espressione della ricca società di campagna. Padroneggiano le maniere da salotto: “una sorta di putibonda femminilità fatta di risatine soffocate, sventagliamenti, occhi alzati al cielo è una conversazione confinata agli argomenti più banali” ma sotto sotto sono vendicative e manipolatrici, sono loro le vere perfide della situazione.
Per Harriet però le due sorelle sono delle signorine molto ben educate, dal comportamento ineccepibile, per cui ritiene impossibile che siano state proprio loro a mettere in circolazione spregevoli insinuazioni sul suo conto.
I veri protagonisti del libro e della serie però sono la casa al numero 67 Clarges Street e i domestici che la abitano.
Da quando si è diffusa la voce che la casa è maledetta, dopo il suicidio del nono duca di Pelham, l'attuale decimo duca ha deciso di affittarla per la Stagione.
Così per gran parte dell'anno la casa è abitata solo dalla servitù: il maggiordomo Rainbird, il cuoco Angus MacGregor, la governante Mrs Middleton, le cameriere Jenny e Alice, Joseph il valletto e gli sguatteri Lizzie e Dave. Questi con le loro storie e peculiarità costituiscono una famiglia un po' sgangherata che deve fare i conti con l’intermediario del duca, il signor Palmer, che intasca parte del loro stipendio sotto la minaccia di un licenziamento senza referenze. La servitù, quindi, conta sugli affittuari per rimpinguare le loro magre sostanze.
Rainbird e gli altri, nonostante la sfortunata condizione, si distinguono per il loro buon cuore e aiuteranno Miss Harriet a dare una lezione alle due viziate sorelle e a vincere il cuore del suo spasimante.
November 23, 2024
recensione completa qui: https://www.lunaticamente.com/recensi...
E' difficile esprimere a parole cosa mi ha regalato questa Saga che ho letto d'un fiato. Difficile anche dire quale di questi sei è il mio preferito. Un consiglio solo: se comprate il primo, assicuratevi di avere anche gli altri a portata di mano.
Ho riso molto, mi sono affezionata ai personaggi, mi sono commossa e ho trovato degli amici che porterò per sempre nel mio cuore. Tra queste pagine c'è ironia, amore e speranza. E' impossibile staccarsi dalla lettura e allo stesso tempo si desidera che la fine arrivi il più tardi possibile. Ho amato la sua scrittura e la capacità di rendere familiari ambientazioni e personaggi.
Il finale è glorioso e anche se ti lascia un pizzico di malinconia, nel cuore sai che è giusto così.
Se amate Downton Abbey, questa saga non può mancarvi. E se invece non avete mai letto nulla di simile, allora vi spalancherà le porte a un mondo meraviglioso.
E' difficile esprimere a parole cosa mi ha regalato questa Saga che ho letto d'un fiato. Difficile anche dire quale di questi sei è il mio preferito. Un consiglio solo: se comprate il primo, assicuratevi di avere anche gli altri a portata di mano.
Ho riso molto, mi sono affezionata ai personaggi, mi sono commossa e ho trovato degli amici che porterò per sempre nel mio cuore. Tra queste pagine c'è ironia, amore e speranza. E' impossibile staccarsi dalla lettura e allo stesso tempo si desidera che la fine arrivi il più tardi possibile. Ho amato la sua scrittura e la capacità di rendere familiari ambientazioni e personaggi.
Il finale è glorioso e anche se ti lascia un pizzico di malinconia, nel cuore sai che è giusto così.
Se amate Downton Abbey, questa saga non può mancarvi. E se invece non avete mai letto nulla di simile, allora vi spalancherà le porte a un mondo meraviglioso.
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