Group read November 23 Snowdrift / Pistols for Two: the last four stories

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

& here we are - the final four!

The Duel
Hazard
Snowdrift
Full Moon

[Teresa]

In The Duel, Sir Frances reminded me of Dolphinton from Cotillion, in his mannerisms.
I thought there was a lot of comedy in Hazard.
Still have the last two to read.

[Jenny]

I think Hazard is my favourite story in this book - it's certainly the funniest. It starts out as melodrama, but as soon as Carlington wakes up hungover, it quickly turns into farce and Fanny's arrival with her verbose companion (GH really likes doing those young men, doesn't she?!) and all the cross-purpose conversation make me laugh out loud every time.

"... if you go to Gretna, you'll go alone!"
Miss Wyse gave a shriek at this. "Good God, what do you mean to do?", she cried, running forward and clasping her hands about his arm, "Granville, I implore you, have mercy!"

And then, on finally realising what's going on, Carlington packs the bewildered couple off to Gretna as fast as he can and won't even let them stop to eat! It's hilarious.

[Susan in NC]

Teresa wrote: "In The Duel, Sir Frances reminded me of Dolphinton from Cotillion, in his mannerisms.
I thought there was a lot of comedy in Hazard.
Still have the last two to read."

I thought Duel was funny, with the two seconds doing their best to “support” their friend-by going on about how badly he behaved! Yes, Francis being inarticulate and sucking the head of his cane gave me Dolph vibes!

I started “Hazard”, but found it distasteful from the start, as I did last time I read it - all the men drunk, the woman being “staked” by her brother. Then the “hero” keeps referring to how drunk he was - no thanks, read it once, that was enough for me.

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

The Duel - the hero took a really serious risk didn't he? He could have been killed! This story is good but there are better ones in this book. 4★

Hazard I still like this one & how it goes from drama, to tragedy to a farce. I wonder where Helen goes while Carlton arranges a special license? 5★

[Susan in NC]

Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂ wrote: "The Duel - the hero took a really serious risk didn't he? He could have been killed! This story is good but there are better ones in this book. 4★

Hazard I still like this one & how it goes from d..."

Agreed on Duel, I just wasn’t in the mood for Hazard, I guess!

My book was due back at the library, so I’ll let my review stand as is - a good taste of Heyer’s various characters and plotting for anyone who’d like to give her a try. Some stories weaker than others, but I find that’s generally the case with any short story collection.

[Jenny]

Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂ wrote: "I wonder where Helen goes while Carlton arranges a special license?..."

To the old governess, of course!

[Jackie]

Jenny, you must be right, lol. so convenient!

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

Snowdrift Echoes of Cotillion for me. Entertaining & the instalove was believable, as they did have time to get to know each other on the curricle journey. But shouldn't Sir Julian obtain permission to pay his addresses to Sophia from her stepfather, rather than her grandfather? 5★

Full Moon For me, the weakest in the original PFT collection, saved only by how funny Lord Stavely is wandering around the garden. I'm having trouble understanding how Sophia's grandfather can be a close friend of Lord Staveley's sisterwhen he doesn't appear to go anywhere. 4 weak★

[Susan in Perthshire]

Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂ wrote: "Snowdrift Echoes of Cotillion for me. Entertaining & the instalove was believable, as they did have time to get to know each other on the curricle journey. But shouldn't Sir Julian obtain permissio..."

A step father does not acquire parental rights automatically. Only a court order (in the UK) could grant those rights over a young person who has not achieved their majority. Therefore seeking permission from the grandfather is correct.

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

That is very interesting! Thanks for that info, Susan!

[QNPoohBear]

The Duel and Full Moon are rather silly. Full Moon had potential to be fleshed out more. It could have been fun and interesting.

I really liked Hazard. It was a little darker for Heyer but it showed a more realistic side of what happened to women who weren't protected by caring male family members. It descends into her usual farce and becomes laugh out loud funny.

Snowdrift is cute and fun. The heroine is young but not too stupid. She's a sweet and caring girl who only thinks of helping her family. I can see romance blooming in that situation but she's too young and innocent for marriage just yet. I think he'll wait awhile until she's older.