FREDERICA by Georgette Heyer. I believe this is my favorite Georgette Heyer book yet! I love the family dynamics--across both families--and I absolutely adored all the characters (Felix! And his love of engineering! So cute!) So fun and cute. ( )

Frederica by Georgett Heyer

Revisiting a favorite author’s writing after over half a decade was to be a joy for me. Instead, while reading it on vacation, I found myself bogged down in words and conversations that did not seem to fit into my life in the same joyous way I remembered them from the past. This author is remembered fondly but having read her books during my naïve teens and now being in my seventies do wonder if it is an age issue I am facing with the story or if the many books I have since read along with the numerous life experiences that I have encountered have somehow left me less enamored of the story than my memories of the book once were. The story is fine but filled with terms that are not common now. The story is filled with more words than I felt were necessary. In ways it felt archaic and difficult to relate to. I can’t put my finger on the reason I am not as thrilled with the story as I was when first I read it but am glad that I read it again. The synopsis of the book gives a clear idea of what the book is about so won’t go into the details of the family, romances that take place or any other details.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the ARC – This is my honest review.

2-3 Stars ( )

Rich and handsome, darling of the town, the hope of ambitious mothers and despair of his sisters, the Marquis of Alverstoke at seven-and-thirty sees no reason to put himself out for anyone. Until a distant connection, ignorant of his selfishness, applies to him for help.

When Frederica Merriville brings her three younger siblings to London determined to secure a brilliant marriage for her beautiful sister, Charis, she seeks out their distant cousin the Marquis of Alverstoke. Lovely, competent, and refreshingly straightforward, Frederica makes such a strong impression that to his own amazement, the Marquis agrees to help launch them all into society. Lord Alverstoke can't resist wanting to help her Normally wary of his family, which includes two overbearing sisters and innumerable favor-seekers, Lord Alverstoke does his best to keep his distance but he finally finds himself far from bored. ( )

On the one hand, absolutely stellar family relationships — Frederica and her siblings are charming and lively and hilarious, and Alverstoke is rightly won over by them. Also, huge points for the male love interest who is cautious and thoughtful and observant about how the object of his affections may receive him — not manipulative. On the other hand, it’s a bit slow going, with so much period language as to occasionally render entire pages into ruffling nonsense. Also, yes, we get that neither Charis nor Endymion is bright, but did there have to be quite so much dismissive ninnyhammering?

I think that readers who are looking for a thoroughly period experience will be very happy with this book. If you’re looking for fast paced, it may not suite the bill.

advanced readers copy provided by Edelweiss ( )

#10 in my History of romance curriculum, and the 3rd Heyer. Every Heyer I've read so far I've really enjoyed. This one was written in 1965 and is a very slow burn. It's mostly just the MMC character becoming embroiled in the FMC's family, but sort of irritatedly and nonchalantly. I think it was probably 2/3 of the way through before there is even any mention of either of their feelings and it's brief. One of the characters remarks that the MMC doesn't like anyone in Frederica's family "much by half" and the narrator says "But she was wrong. He liked Frederica a lot more than half". So if you're interested in a pining hero, this book isn't it. ( )