It was a sweet (and kind of cute if I can say that?) book, it made me laugh on so many occasions because of the absurdity but was also kind of fun? I'm not sure what it was exactly but I had a good time reading it. The plot was very predictable but I enjoyed reading it overall. so if you're looking for a one-time chill kind of read this is it. Doesn't take much of our brain capacity and no emotional turmoil but some laughs guaranteed.

Fun. If you are paying attention it is very predictable. The journey from start to finish is still fun to read.

This was not one of my favorite Georgette Heyer books, but it was very entertaining.

The plot is so accessibly segmented that you can just walk up or down the street, open whichever chapter and get your fix of crazy. I do recommend trying that with the audiobook.

No one writes male exasperation like you did, you amazing woman. In this madcap comedy, the characters are a bouquet of flavours, none more poignant than that of the logical mind confronted with constant, inventive, playful lunacy of the apparently sane!

"Would you object to her having a slight—a very slight squint in one eye?”
“Yes, I should,” said Sir Tristram. “Nor have I the smallest desire to—”
Miss Thane sighed. “Well, that is a pity. I had thought of the very person for you.”
“Let me beg you not to waste your time thinking of another! The matter is not urgent.”
She shook her head. “I cannot agree with you. After all, when one approaches middle age—”
“Middle—Has anyone ever boxed your ears, Miss Thane?”
“No, never,” said Miss Thane, looking blandly up at him.
“You have been undeservedly fortunate,” said Sir Tristram grimly.

A fist bump to this regency romance (not really, no one actually cares who the occasional Mary or Sue end up with anymore, not even the author - a result based on which I predict the satisfying imminent and permanent death of all soap operas)

2016 Review

I'm struggling ever so slightly with the review on this book as I read it at the start of my holiday. If I feel I have more to add I may edit this later.

In spite of a slow start, the always inventive GH excelled herself with this one.

Her variations this time were;

I think this is her only book this late in the Georgian period.

Edit: I stand corrected! [b:Faro's Daughter|311163|Faro's Daughter|Georgette Heyer|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1320463479l/311163._SY75_.jpg|302246] was also set in the 1790's. (see comments below)

Spoiler

two romances of nearly parallel importance

& just for once the villain actually

Spoiler

will face the British justice system!

Fast paced & funny, I'm not surprised this this title was successfully adapted as a play & would actually love to see it performed some time.

I always wondered what a talisman ring would look like.

If anyone else is curious...

And great to start 2021 with one of GH's finest Georgian Romances! I don't think I have anything to add to my 2016 review, other than Sarah and Eustacie are two of GH's best heroines. Both are very brave and Sarah is also very funny!

Read with The Georgette Heyer Fans Group.

This is my third reread of this book since being on GR, so I just tossed off a quick review - only to have it eaten by the unexpected error glitch.

I'd recommend everyone do their reviews off site , as GR is so unstable at the moment. Then at least you have a copy of your review.

What struck me this time is that Ludovic isn't

Spoiler

the sharpest knife in the drawer. One of the dimmer GH heroes.

& that even the most minor character is so well drawn.

Georgette Heyer really was the most gifted writer.

Classic Heyer, very soothing at a time of pandemic. Silly fun, and a rather too-slick ending, but very relaxing.

3.5 stars rounded up