Georgette Heyer had a handful of unforgettable heroines, of which Arabella is one of the most engaging. Daughter of a modest country clergyman, Arabella Tallant is on her way to London when her carriage breaks down outside the hunting lodge of the wealthy Mr. Robert Beaumaris. Her pride stung when she overhears a remark of her host’s, Arabella pretends to be an heiress, a pretense that deeply … deeply amuses the jaded Beau. To counter her white lie, Beaumaris launches her into high society and thereby subjects her to all kinds of fortune hunters and other embarrassments.
When compassionate Arabella rescues such unfortunate creatures as a mistreated chimney sweep and a mixed-breed mongrel, she foists them upon Beaumaris, who finds he rather enjoys the role of rescuer and is soon given the opportunity to prove his worth in the person of Arabella’s impetuous young brother…
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“Reading Georgette Heyer is the next best thing to reading Jane Austen.” Publishers Weekly
“Wonderful characters, elegant, witty writing, perfect period detail, and rapturously romantic. Georgette Heyer achieves what the rest of us only aspire to.” Katie Fforde
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Arabella Tallant is young, exceptionally beautiful, and the poor eldest daughter of a devout clergyman. Her mother sends her to London to visit her godmother in the hopes that Arabella will make a good match. Arabella makes the acquaintance of the very wealthy Mr. Beaumaris, who is all too used to young ladies trying to win his attention. The lovely Arabella has no intention of falling at the feet of the handsome leader of the ton, and leads him on a merry chase which involves an orphaned chimney sweep, a hapless mongrel, and finally, true love.
This book was so much fun. I’ve been told for years to read a book by Georgette Heyer So I finally got the audio version of this book. The narrator was awesome.
It was a little bit hard to follow at first, but once I got into it it was pretty witty and fun.
The main characters were so fun to get to know- they both had me laughing out loud a few times. The storyline had so many twists and turns- it kept me interested from start to end.
I will be reading more by this author.
The perfect story of an innocent but strong country miss going into Society for the first time and the unattainable heart she claims. From a fateful lie to three (socially) shocking rescues, she believes she has ruined her chances at making a respectable match, but it turns out she’s just what the season’s matrimonial prize has been looking for. It’s kind of a Cinderella story, but with a lot more spirit, some good insight into the troubling situations of the time, and a dose of wholesome moral values to save the day (and the rake).
Heyer invented the genre of regency romance — after Jane Austen, of course — and this is one of her most delightful. Arabella’s thirst for social justice is a wonderful surprise amidst the froth of London parties and balls, and her effect upon the urbane and bored super-hero Beaumaris is stunning. Such a joy to read aloud to your best beloved, and so finely crafted. Her language is the best of mid-twentieth century refinement, her humor wonderful.
One of my favorite heroines! You keep waiting for her to be unmasked but, of course, there’s a hero, right? Georgette Heyer at her finest. There’s a flow to Georgette that just cannot be matched (yes, there are some close later authors, but Georgette is Georgette).
Georgette Heyer showing love and compassion at its best.
I am officially in LOVE!
What a delightful and enchanting novel. This was my first time reading Heyer, but it will certainly not be the last!
Charming heroine, swoony hero, and an adorable mongrel to finish it off.
Filled with wonderful characters, witty banter and an interesting premise, this novel absolutely delighted my Regency-loving heart.
One of my favorite Heyer romances!
My favorite author!
This book is a hoot! Arabella is sent to London to be launched into society with the hope that the clergyman’s daughter can make a suitable match, preferably with a man of means. One small fib told in the heat of the moment leads to a host of incorrect assumptions, and a great deal of merriment ensues in straightening it all out. Arabella is one of the most charming characters in any book I’ve read, and I laughed out loud many times at her adventures. This is one of Georgette Heyer’s best novels. A witty and thoroughly entertaining romp!