The Reluctant Widow by Georgette HeyerPublisher: Sourcebook Casablanca
Publication Date: October 1, 2008
Original Publication Date: 1946
Format: Trade Paperback, 320 pages
“Elinor sat up in bed, luxuriously sipping her chocolate, and wondering how many of the fantastic events of the precious day had had an existence only in her imagination. Her presence in this well-ordered household seemed to indicate that at least some of them had been real. She was unable to refrain from contrasting her present situation with what would have in all probability been her lot in Mrs. Macclefield’s house, and she would have been more than human if she had not enjoyed the very striking difference.”
The Reluctant Widow by Georgette Heyer is a lovely and thoroughly enjoyable read. Elinor Rochdale is at the wrong place, at the wrong time (or maybe, the right time) and ends up marrying the wealthy cousin of Ned Carlyon against her will and
reason, all the while questioning Carlyon’s sanity along with her own. Carlyon’s cousin ends up dead, but several loose ends “force” Elinor to remain with the family as she and Carlyon, with the help of is older and younger brother, the mysterious circumstances that that arise after her husband’s death.
With the starting premise pushing the edge of reason, this novel has the potential to go so very wrong. However interesting characters and a well thought out plot made this into a fun read from start to finish. I loved the authentic period language, detailed setting information, and the character’s conversation and interactions with each other. Carlyon’s younger brother and Elinor’s new cousin, Nicky, and his bumbling dog Bouncer are great comic relief, equally charming and frustrating with their grand plans and schemes throughout the book. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a good combination of mystery and period piece. Though this particular story is far from being a romance (it’s more of a mystery), Elinor and Ned are so entertaining with their intelligent bickering and playful chemistry that you wonder just if and when they will see the light and get it together.
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You write the best reviews, Nicole. This usually isn’t my genre, but you’ve got me wanting to read it.
This book looks like it need to go on my Wish List. =)
Thank you! It is such a chore to figure out what I should include in a review so I am really happy that it seemed helpful. Georgette Heyer is a great break from reading heavy stuff. It was a fun read.
Kylee, it’s definitely a fun read.
I loved this book! I”m reading my second Heyer novel now and I just really like her style and characters.
Which one are you reading? My next Georgette will be the Faro’s Daughter.
I just mooched my first Heyer book, “Why Shoot a Butler” and it looks like a fun read.
This is a book I wouldn’t have come across on my own. I’ll add it to my list of books to read. Thanks!
Laura I hope you will come back and tell me how you like it. I’d be interested to hear your thoughts.
My next Heyer book will be Faro’s Daughter. It will probably be a few weeks, at least, before I can get to it.