Canceled Courtship

Rating:
Summary: a good 3 1/2 star read
Review: "Canceled Courtship" has a great many good points -- a really fantastic and interesting storyline, some really intriguing characters and a rather brilliant portrayal of pure evil. Unfortunately, it also suffers from some drawbacks like a somewhat choppy writing style, a few inconstancies in character, and some careless editing. On the whole though the positives far outweigh the negatives, so that the novel turned out to be quite the read.

Since her mother's death and her father's, Sir Geoffrey, collapse, Cecilia Sentenell has been running the estate and taking care of her father. Some of this changes when her mother's old friend, Lady Rolande, comes for a visit. Lady Rolande's good cheer and herbal remedies seem to be exactly what Sir Geoffrey needs, so that when Lady Rolande suggests that Sir Geoffrey and Cecilia accompany her and her daughter, Hedra, to London for the Season, father and daughter are only too happy to comply. But once in London, Cecilia finds her life becoming complicated in unexpected ways. To begin with Cecilia attracts the attentions of a rather notorious and much sought after rake, the Earl of Arandale -- someone that Hedra had earmarked for herself. Not caring much for the stiff and rakish earl, Cecilia does her best to let him see just how much she holds him in contempt (even if he does awaken some rather thrilling sensations within her), but to no avail. It seems that the earl is intent in courting her in spite of her disapproval! And then Cecilia also begins to notice that there's something a little shady about Lady Rolande, but she's hard-pressed to say exactly what it is about Lady Rolande that's making her uneasy. How will the efficient and independent Cecilia handle all her fears and concerns?

Story-wise, "Canceled Courtship" is brilliant. I liked how Gloria Gay gradually brought Cecilia and the earl together, and how she made the earl realize how shabbily he had been behaving. And her characterization of the two evil characters in the book was fantastic. A better portrayal of pure evil, I have seldom come across. The trouble is that, for me, the novel suffered from not being long enough. Certain subplots and characters (like the one involving Sadie and Violet, for example), could have done with more development and several added chapters. Also, there were certain character inconstancies where Cecilia was concerned that almost made me wonder about her -- she'd be curious and concerned about certain inconstancies in Lady Rolande's confidences in some chapters, and not care a hoot about them in others. I began to feel a little dizzy about this after a while. This, coupled with the somewhat modern language did detract a little. But on the whole, I'd say that "Canceled Courtship" was a good 3 1/2 star read.

Rating:
Summary: Sweet and Endearing
Review: Cecilia Sentenell was thrilled to have a season in London - enjoying the sights, the shops, and that her dearest father seemed to be regaining his health made her joy that much better. However, she was not thrilled over the attentions that the rakish Earl of Arandale seemed to be paying her. On her first ride in Hyde Park she was witness to the earl taking his mistress riding and giving her a full mouth kiss right there in public which gave her an instant dislike of his seemingly disregard for propriety! Not until several weeks had passed did her father inform her of the earl's request to court her and upon hearing this she begged her father to cancel his approval of the courtship - she would in no way agree to marriage to this man!

Arandale had loved once, and when his betrothed was killed he seemed to have lost his way and embraced a fast and rakish way of living. As it was time for him to set up his nursery, the earl had originally wished simply for a biddable girl of noble birth, good family that would not cause him to change his way of life - or so he told his solicitor who had picked Cecilia after looking over that seasons debutantes. Naturally, the earl - arrogance personified - was aghast that this chit had refused his attentions! It wasn't until he finally thought to take a good look and actually `saw' Cecilia that his feelings began to change especially after he asked her for specific reasons for refusing his suit.

This was a very `quick' story for me (224 pages), which I read in approximately four hours. Regency romances are a favorite of mine to read when I am looking for something entertaining and light after a long hard day at work. The plot was not too deep and it was sweet in it's innocence - even with the addition of the not so nice cousin who wanted to compromise Cecilia into wedding him. I especially liked the epilogue at the end that wrapped up any loose ends from so quick a story. I could definitely recommend this to a younger audience as a good `first' introduction to regency historical romance writing.

Rating:
Summary: Sweet and Endearing
Review: Cecilia Sentenell was thrilled to have a season in London - enjoying the sights, the shops, and that her dearest father seemed to be regaining his health made her joy that much better. However, she was not thrilled over the attentions that the rakish Earl of Arandale seemed to be paying her. On her first ride in Hyde Park she was witness to the earl taking his mistress riding and giving her a full mouth kiss right there in public which gave her an instant dislike of his seemingly disregard for propriety! Not until several weeks had passed did her father inform her of the earl's request to court her and upon hearing this she begged her father to cancel his approval of the courtship - she would in no way agree to marriage to this man!

Arandale had loved once, and when his betrothed was killed he seemed to have lost his way and embraced a fast and rakish way of living. As it was time for him to set up his nursery, the earl had originally wished simply for a biddable girl of noble birth, good family that would not cause him to change his way of life - or so he told his solicitor who had picked Cecilia after looking over that seasons debutantes. Naturally, the earl - arrogance personified - was aghast that this chit had refused his attentions! It wasn't until he finally thought to take a good look and actually 'saw' Cecilia that his feelings began to change especially after he asked her for specific reasons for refusing his suit.

This was a very 'quick' story for me (224 pages), which I read in approximately four hours. Regency romances are a favorite of mine to read when I am looking for something entertaining and light after a long hard day at work. The plot was not too deep and it was sweet in it's innocence - even with the addition of the not so nice cousin who wanted to compromise Cecilia into wedding him. I especially liked the epilogue at the end that wrapped up any loose ends from so quick a story. I could definitely recommend this to a younger audience as a good 'first' introduction to regency historical romance writing.

Rating:
Summary: A Fine & Fair Romance
Review: I found reading CANCELLED COURTSHIP to be rather a pleasing little experience than not, having read it at my own behest of an afternoon's solitude in the sunshine. Yet to this day I cannot say whether it was the winsome aspects of this story, or the breezy day's solicitude, which gave me most the pleasure.

Gloria Gay's latest Regency romance brings us a spunky young heroine, Cecilia Sentenell, embarking upon a glowing adventure coming out for her first Season in London. She and her ailing father, Sir Geoffrey are accompanied by a woman claiming to be her late mother's friend, Lady Rolande and her daughter Hedra. Lady Rolande is intrusively solicitous with regards to both the care of Sir Geoffrey's failing health and to the agenda of Cecilia's entree into high society. Furthermore, Hedra's manner towards Cecilia is an odd mixture of affectation and outright scorn - borne of jealousy, especially as regards the Earl of Arandale, a handsome and highly sought-after rake of a man. Arandale, upon a promise made to his late father, is obliged to find a bride before his 30th birthday. He is certain the young lady upon whom he bestows the honor of his choice would simply be too pleased to be Lady Arandale to have anything to say against his notorious womanizing, or in any way otherwise impede upon his lifestyle. - His choice almost immediately falls on Cecilia, as she seems modest, attractive and of sufficient social standing to court. Cecilia will have none of it, though. She has seen first hand Arandale's brash, indiscriminate ways. So, to the utter amazement of everyone, she cancels the courtship. Meanwhile, to further complicate Cecilia's life, Sir Geoffrey's evil heir, Alex Shackel is coercing his way into her life - fully intent on making her his bride, and by force if necessary.

CANCELLED COURTSHIP is in many ways similar to Ms. Gay's earlier Regency romance, FIRST SEASON. It's an easy, fast-paced story - ideal for light reading. There were, however, blatant shortcomings in this that weren't so noted in the earlier book. Herein were more than a couple character inconsistencies, numerous editing flaws, and language that was uninspired: careless, contemporary and (I hate to say it) often rather bland. Apparently, the apathetic writing style here needs to catch up with the reverent knack for storytelling.

Nevertheless, this was a pleasurable read. Despite the few faults I've found, I have faith that Gloria Gay is ultimately capable of very good things - and I indeed look forward to what's to come!

Rating:
Summary: A Fine & Fair Romance
Review: I found reading CANCELLED COURTSHIP to be rather a pleasing little experience than not, having read it at my own behest of an afternoon's solitude in the sunshine. Yet to this day I cannot say whether it was the winsome aspects of this story, or the breezy day's solicitude, which gave me most the pleasure.

Gloria Gay's latest Regency romance brings us a spunky young heroine, Cecilia Sentenell, embarking upon a glowing adventure coming out for her first Season in London. She and her ailing father, Sir Geoffrey are accompanied by a woman claiming to be her late mother's friend, Lady Rolande and her daughter Hedra. Lady Rolande is intrusively solicitous with regards to both the care of Sir Geoffrey's failing health and to the agenda of Cecilia's entree into high society. Furthermore, Hedra's manner towards Cecilia is an odd mixture of affectation and outright scorn - borne of jealousy, especially as regards the Earl of Arandale, a handsome and highly sought-after rake of a man. Arandale, upon a promise made to his late father, is obliged to find a bride before his 30th birthday. He is certain the young lady upon whom he bestows the honor of his choice would simply be too pleased to be Lady Arandale to have anything to say against his notorious womanizing, or in any way otherwise impede upon his lifestyle. - His choice almost immediately falls on Cecilia, as she seems modest, attractive and of sufficient social standing to court. Cecilia will have none of it, though. She has seen first hand Arandale's brash, indiscriminate ways. So, to the utter amazement of everyone, she cancels the courtship. Meanwhile, to further complicate Cecilia's life, Sir Geoffrey's evil heir, Alex Shackel is coercing his way into her life - fully intent on making her his bride, and by force if necessary.

CANCELLED COURTSHIP is in many ways similar to Ms. Gay's earlier Regency romance, FIRST SEASON. It's an easy, fast-paced story - ideal for light reading. There were, however, blatant shortcomings in this that weren't so noted in the earlier book. Herein were more than a couple character inconsistencies, numerous editing flaws, and language that was uninspired: careless, contemporary and (I hate to say it) often rather bland. Apparently, the apathetic writing style here needs to catch up with the reverent knack for storytelling.

Nevertheless, this was a pleasurable read. Despite the few faults I've found, I have faith that Gloria Gay is ultimately capable of very good things - and I indeed look forward to what's to come!

Rating:
Summary: Canceled Courtship
Review: London 1816
Cecilia Sentenell (Ceci to most who know her) is getting ready to go to London with her sick father, Sir Goeffrey Sentenell to partake of the social season. Sir Goeffrey is hopeing to find a husband for Ceci before he passes away. Ceci has never thought that she would ever go to London to partake of a season, with beautiful clothes and dancing with handsome men. They leave with Lady Rolande and her daughter Hedra to London. Lady Rolande claimed to have known Sir Goeffrey's wife (who passed away about three years ago) when they were younger.

Ceci meets up with the Earl of Arandale and has an instant dislike for him. Meanwhile, the Earl, who has made a promise to his dying father, that he would marry by the age of 30, which is coming up during this year, has asked his solicitor to find him a wife that would fit all of his needs. Of course, Ceci was the one that was picked. The Earl writes a letter to Sir Goeffrey for Ceci's hand in marriage, which Ceci knows nothing about. The Earl talks to her at the balls which they are both attending, and dances with her trying to get to know her better, but her feelings for him does not change. Eventually her father tells Ceci about the Earls proposal of marriage. Ceci still does not want to marry him, so Sir Goeffrey writes a letter declining the proposal, as Ceci wants to pick out her own husband.

In this book we meet Ceci who is a beautiful woman who can use the sword, handle a gun, keep a set of books and still be a gentle individual. We also meet the Earl of Arandale, who is handsome and a rake. His fiance dies in his arms at the scene of an accident which has left him a bitter person. But does Ceci find a spot in his heart? We also meet her fathers heir Alex Shackel, who has some evil ways about him, as he wants to marry Ceci himself for her wealth. Who wins the hand of Ceci? Alec Shackel or the Earl?

This is the third book of Gloria Gay that I have read. I like this one the best, as she can write with suspence and love in her books. She makes her characters come alive for me. Once can feel the love between Ceci and her father as his sickness keeps getting worse.

Rating:
Summary: Canceled Courtship
Review: London 1816
Cecilia Sentenell (Ceci to most who know her) is getting ready to go to London with her sick father, Sir Goeffrey Sentenell to partake of the social season. Sir Goeffrey is hopeing to find a husband for Ceci before he passes away. Ceci has never thought that she would ever go to London to partake of a season, with beautiful clothes and dancing with handsome men. They leave with Lady Rolande and her daughter Hedra to London. Lady Rolande claimed to have known Sir Goeffrey's wife (who passed away about three years ago) when they were younger.

Ceci meets up with the Earl of Arandale and has an instant dislike for him. Meanwhile, the Earl, who has made a promise to his dying father, that he would marry by the age of 30, which is coming up during this year, has asked his solicitor to find him a wife that would fit all of his needs. Of course, Ceci was the one that was picked. The Earl writes a letter to Sir Goeffrey for Ceci's hand in marriage, which Ceci knows nothing about. The Earl talks to her at the balls which they are both attending, and dances with her trying to get to know her better, but her feelings for him does not change. Eventually her father tells Ceci about the Earls proposal of marriage. Ceci still does not want to marry him, so Sir Goeffrey writes a letter declining the proposal, as Ceci wants to pick out her own husband.

In this book we meet Ceci who is a beautiful woman who can use the sword, handle a gun, keep a set of books and still be a gentle individual. We also meet the Earl of Arandale, who is handsome and a rake. His fiance dies in his arms at the scene of an accident which has left him a bitter person. But does Ceci find a spot in his heart? We also meet her fathers heir Alex Shackel, who has some evil ways about him, as he wants to marry Ceci himself for her wealth. Who wins the hand of Ceci? Alec Shackel or the Earl?

This is the third book of Gloria Gay that I have read. I like this one the best, as she can write with suspence and love in her books. She makes her characters come alive for me. Once can feel the love between Ceci and her father as his sickness keeps getting worse.

Rating:
Summary: Charming and entertaining
Review: When she arrives in London for her season, one of the first things Cecilia Sentenell sees is Justin, Earl of Arandale flaunting his mistress in public. Regency England is a hotbed of debauchery and men behaving badly, but Cecilia wants better for herself. She would rather have no husband than a husband who would keep mistresses, gamble, and party with the depraved Lords of the ton. When Arandale inexplicably decides to make Cecilia as his wife, it doesn't take her a minute to let him know that she'll decline that honor. Only, once she's done that, and Arandale turns on his famous charm, she wonders whether she's acted too quickly in cancelling his courtship.

Alex Shackel, her father's heir, has plans of his own for Cecilia--plans that have no place for Arandale and that result in his acquiring all of Cecilia's estate. With the help of his ally, Lady Rolande, Shackel intends to ensure that the courtship stays canceled, and that Cecilia is ruined and forced to turn to--himself. With Cecilia's father gravely ill, Cecilia finds herself wishing that she had Arandale as an friend rather than a jilted swain.

Author Gloria Gay delivers a charming tale of growing love in the romantic but dangerous era of regency England. Cecilia, in particular, is a sympathetic character, humanized by the love she has for her father despite her quick judgements of others. Shackel is an appropriately slimy villain, mistreating both Cecilia and his mistress.