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Binding: PaperbackEAN: 9780099468073 Edition: New edition ISBN: 0099468077 Label: Arrow Books Ltd Manufacturer: Arrow Books Ltd Number Of Pages: 356 Publication Date: October 07, 2004 Publisher: Arrow Books Ltd Studio: Arrow Books Ltd Related Items: Average Rating:
 Rating:  - Enjoyable rompGeorgette Heyer's writing was of course almost always excellent. She wrote in several genres and 'The Reluctant Widow', although apparently a Regency Romance, has many elements that remind the reader that Heyer also wrote mysteries. The story revolves around Elinor Rochdale, a young woman who boards the wrong coach and finds herself in the middle of a strange family drama. Eustace Cheviot, a dissipated and troubled young man, is dying; Elinor finds herself persuaded to marry him so that she can inherit from him when he dies. The persuader is Eustace's cousin Ned Carlyon, a rather enigmatic if friendly figure. After Elinor agrees to the marriage she finds herself a widow by the next morning - and then discovers that someone is trying to break into her new home. Aided (or possibly abetted) by Ned's younger brother Nicky and his rather overeager dog, finding hidden staircases and dealing with various uninvited houseguests, Elinor finds herself embroiled in an international spy ring. There are no real surprises in this story, it's more of a great romp with various semi-gothic events in the unusual house. The hero can be slightly frustrating as he keeps things close to his chest and the romance is really rather secondary to the story, but it's a very enjoyable tale with all Heyer's usual quality of writing and historical research to add to the feel of the story. Those who enjoyed 'The Talisman Ring' will no doubt also love this book. Originally published for Curled Up With A Good Book © Helen Hancox 2008 Rating: - Pure frothy, frivolous fun!This is the first of Heyer's non-romances I have read and while I wasn't completely sure about it in the first chapter, the book improves enormously once all the preliminaries are out of the way. Elinor gets into the wrong chaise and instead of arriving at her new governess job, she instead finds herself in a gothic and run-down mansion where a well-dressed and spoken gentleman persuades her to marry his dying cousin so that Carlyon himself cannot be accused of wanting him dead to inherit his estate. Elinor does it (without quite knowing why) and by morning finds herself a widow with an old house and an estate. It's from here that the plot really takes off: Carlyon's university-age brother Nicky (who accidently murdered Elinor's husband!) discovers a secret staircase into the house and a nest of French spies desperate to find a hidden memo detailing the Duke of Wellington's battle plan and romps in to solve the mystery adopting Elinor as cousin along the route while protecting her with his large and very disobediant dog. Carlyon and his brother John also take it upon themselves to find the document, while Elinor and her game old nurse Beccy act suitably female alternating between scolding the men and articulating their fear. The arrival of Francis Cheviot, another cousin, who might, despite his fear of colds and care of his clothes, be involved in the French plot only adds to Elinor's problems. The plot romps along merrily with assorted spies, murders, people being hit over the head, hidden letters and hiding places with a bit of romance thrown in too and an obligatory happy ending. This won't surprise you or win any prizes but it will make you giggle on a wet Sunday afternoon with a feel-good, old-fashioned and yet still funny story. Rating:  - Enjoyable.'Reluctant Widow' is the first novel I have read by Georgette Heyer. Whilst I found the plot and ending disappointing, the novel was very readable, and certainly encourages one to seek more books out by this author. Whilst the hero and heroine of the story were less impressive, I found the character 'Nicky' more than witty and amusing in his fumbling adventurous child-like behaviour, and warmed to him far more than I did all of the other characters put together. Rating: - one of my favouritesThis is one of my favourite Heyer books. I loved the adventure! Nicky is a brilliant, from his first burst into the book - and his arguments with John are fantastic. And the kite! Once you have read it you'll understand. The motives of Lord Carlyon seem odd, to say the least and Elinors reasons for searching for a job as a governess seems strange. You'll have to read the book to find out what they are. However all ends well in the end and this lighthearted romp took me away from reality for a day. Since I first read it five years ago, after picking it up from one of my Granny's shelves, I have read it several times. I recommend it to all Heyer fans! Rating: - Unbelievable funny plot.Romance comes a good second in this book; and the hunt for a mole and missing documents first; but you won't be disappointed. The 'baddie' gets off a bit too lightly though.  Try searching the Internet for "The Reluctant Widow" or Ebay for "The Reluctant Widow". You might also be interested in the following great products:
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