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Lady Cecily's Scheme
The beautiful, rebellious daughter of Lady Cecily Lester denies her mother's request that she take part in the London marriage mart, so Lady Cecily arranges to bring an army of handsome suitors to far-flung Halverton. Original.
224 pages, Paperback
First published March 19, 1997
About the author
Gayle Buck
55 books18 followersGayle Buck has freelanced for regional publications, worked for a radio station and as a secretary. Until recently, she was involved in public relations for a major Texas university. Besides her Regencies, she also writes fantasy and romantic suspense. She lives in Bandera, Texas.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
May 19, 2015
Where's the scheme??
If you're looking to read one on one h/ H story so this not it. No scheme just a story about Vanessa's mom trying to marry her off with 3 eligible bachelors, the whole book just story about h and her life not until you've reached 80% (chapter 19) then you'll read more about the H...basically I was doing Tindering..kept swiping left, aka skipped through the book, this more GB's scheme to made me read this #ugh. Guess GB's books are not my cup of tea. Read 4 her books only 1 I liked
If you're looking to read one on one h/ H story so this not it. No scheme just a story about Vanessa's mom trying to marry her off with 3 eligible bachelors, the whole book just story about h and her life not until you've reached 80% (chapter 19) then you'll read more about the H...basically I was doing Tindering..kept swiping left, aka skipped through the book, this more GB's scheme to made me read this #ugh. Guess GB's books are not my cup of tea. Read 4 her books only 1 I liked
July 20, 2010
This book has an excellent story line.
There is much going on.
A independent daughter with everything left to her after her father's death.
A snobbish mother who can not get her money to go off and live in London rather then the country until her daughter marries.
A French spy and British traitor.
Great read.
There is much going on.
A independent daughter with everything left to her after her father's death.
A snobbish mother who can not get her money to go off and live in London rather then the country until her daughter marries.
A French spy and British traitor.
Great read.
February 7, 2021
Hmm, what to say about this book? First up, I should mention that it is quite long – 260 pages – and yet most of the action, including the romance (!) doesn’t happen until the 70% mark.
So if you’re someone who prefers fast paced books, with lots of action, particularly the romantic type of action, then best to put this book back. But if you like slow-burn romance and a plot that’s driven by conversation (think Georgette Heyer or Joan Smith) then I think you’ll like Lady Cecily’s Scheme.
(Is this a good spot to point out that Lady C is actually not the heroine? It’s a bit confusing I know but the heroine is actually her daughter Vanessa).
Anyway although Vanessa is young (only 19) she’s sensible and level-headed whilst I’d classify the hero as more of a gentle hero even though ultimately he does of course end up doing great, heroic deeds.
Gayle Buck’s writing can be deceiving – her style is so lyrical and yes, gentle and slow (again reminiscent of Heyer and Smith) that I keep thinking her books are from quite a few years (if not decades) ago. Lady Cecily’s Scheme was first published in 2015 though which I guess explains why Vanessa not only starts out as a sensible woman, but stays sensible even after she falls in love.
I can’t abide those heroines who start out as independent, capable women and then somehow can’t even think for themselves after ‘the romance’ hits them. There’s a great bit in this book where Vanessa is in danger, but no… no more otherwise ‘spoilers sweetie’. You’ll just have to read it to find out what I mean.
There are a few typos and grammatical errors – I particularly love how France became Prance, adding a bit of unexpected levity to an otherwise serious scene. But these were small and didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment of the book. I don’t think they’ll diminish anyone else’s enjoyment either.
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?
Yes, I do think the HEA was right. I can see Vanessa and her hero settling down quite nicely into a marriage that is founded on respect, friendship and equal contributions by both partners.
Whilst I don’t think I was left with a particularly warm and fuzzy feeling thanks to the shortened period in which the actual romance took place, I definitely don’t want my money back. I’ve re-read this book quite a few times and continue to enjoy it every time I read it.
(Check out my personal blog for more Traditional Regency Romance reviews)
So if you’re someone who prefers fast paced books, with lots of action, particularly the romantic type of action, then best to put this book back. But if you like slow-burn romance and a plot that’s driven by conversation (think Georgette Heyer or Joan Smith) then I think you’ll like Lady Cecily’s Scheme.
(Is this a good spot to point out that Lady C is actually not the heroine? It’s a bit confusing I know but the heroine is actually her daughter Vanessa).
Anyway although Vanessa is young (only 19) she’s sensible and level-headed whilst I’d classify the hero as more of a gentle hero even though ultimately he does of course end up doing great, heroic deeds.
Gayle Buck’s writing can be deceiving – her style is so lyrical and yes, gentle and slow (again reminiscent of Heyer and Smith) that I keep thinking her books are from quite a few years (if not decades) ago. Lady Cecily’s Scheme was first published in 2015 though which I guess explains why Vanessa not only starts out as a sensible woman, but stays sensible even after she falls in love.
I can’t abide those heroines who start out as independent, capable women and then somehow can’t even think for themselves after ‘the romance’ hits them. There’s a great bit in this book where Vanessa is in danger, but no… no more otherwise ‘spoilers sweetie’. You’ll just have to read it to find out what I mean.
There are a few typos and grammatical errors – I particularly love how France became Prance, adding a bit of unexpected levity to an otherwise serious scene. But these were small and didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment of the book. I don’t think they’ll diminish anyone else’s enjoyment either.
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?
Yes, I do think the HEA was right. I can see Vanessa and her hero settling down quite nicely into a marriage that is founded on respect, friendship and equal contributions by both partners.
Whilst I don’t think I was left with a particularly warm and fuzzy feeling thanks to the shortened period in which the actual romance took place, I definitely don’t want my money back. I’ve re-read this book quite a few times and continue to enjoy it every time I read it.
(Check out my personal blog for more Traditional Regency Romance reviews)
November 4, 2016
Miss Vanessa Lester was much loved by her father and was trained in management of his estate just as a male heir would have been. Vanessa inherits all of Halverton when her father passes away and his will also sets aside a generous settlement for Vanessa's mother, Lady Cecily. The settlement, however, will only come to Lady Cecily once Vanessa is married.
Lady Cecily is determined to set up her own household in London and escape the country forever and tries to convince Vanessa to go to London for the season. When Vanessa holds firm in her decision to stay at Halverton until the proper mourning period is over Lady Cecily decides to bring suitors to Vanessa and marry her off as soon as possible.
This is an enjoyable book. Vanessa is a sensible, practical girl and has little problem seeing past her mother's scheming. She runs her estate very well, is kind to her servants and tenants and enjoys local society. She is quite feminine, despite her knowledge of estate manners. She is also romantic and has decided that if she "did not discover that one very special gentleman she felt was meant for her" she was prepared to remain unmarried. I enjoyed reading about her suitors and the bit of intrigue involving smuggling and spying was a nice addition to the plot. Occasionally the story was a little slow, but overall it was a good book and I would recommend it to others.
Lady Cecily is determined to set up her own household in London and escape the country forever and tries to convince Vanessa to go to London for the season. When Vanessa holds firm in her decision to stay at Halverton until the proper mourning period is over Lady Cecily decides to bring suitors to Vanessa and marry her off as soon as possible.
This is an enjoyable book. Vanessa is a sensible, practical girl and has little problem seeing past her mother's scheming. She runs her estate very well, is kind to her servants and tenants and enjoys local society. She is quite feminine, despite her knowledge of estate manners. She is also romantic and has decided that if she "did not discover that one very special gentleman she felt was meant for her" she was prepared to remain unmarried. I enjoyed reading about her suitors and the bit of intrigue involving smuggling and spying was a nice addition to the plot. Occasionally the story was a little slow, but overall it was a good book and I would recommend it to others.
May 4, 2017
Not one likable character
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews