The Madcap Heiress (Signet Regency Romance)

Rating:
Summary: A nice 3 1/2 star read
Review: Alex Herbert (the latest hero in Ms. Hendrickson's Herbert family series), a recent graduate from Cambridge, wants to get out and see some of the world before he finds his life's work. The son of a rector, he was always expected to become a rector himself, or perhaps to manage his own land. When he goes to meet his great-uncle, the Earl of Stanwell, Alex has a chance encounter with Emma Lawrence, an outspoken (but beautiful) young woman.

When Alex meets Emma, she is resisting the advances of her Cousin Claude (who seems very determined to marry her). While she initially rejects Alex's kindness, she has to be appreciative--he always seems to be there when she gets herself into a scrape! As circumstances would have it, Emma and Alex end up travelling together. As things progress, her somewhat odd behavior earns her the reputation of a madcap.

Even so, Emma is a wealthy heiress. Socially speaking, Alex is no match for Emma. But as their feelings start to grow, will love triumph?

For the most part, I enjoyed this book. It's uneventful, but realistic. It's simple, but pleasant. It moves along at a steady (sometimes slow) pace that is appropriate for the period. While I can understand why some readers might get bored, I did enjoy it. It's nothing special or new, but it is still likeable.

Rating:
Summary: a pleasant read...
Review: Emily Hendrickson's latest offering is another tale that centers on yet another Herbert sibling -- this time the only son of the affable rector, Mr. George Herbert. For those not already in the know, Mr Herbert is a nice, scholarly and upright vicar of noble lineage but slender means; he's also the father of five daughters and one son. Previous books in the Herbert series have dealt with four of the sisters; "The Madcap Heiress" focuses on Adam Herbert, the vicar's only son.

With little money and practically no prospects, the future for young Adam Herbert is looking particularly grim. Fortunately for Adam, he does have one small hope. Adam is the grand nephew of the Earl of Stanwell. And Adam rather hopes that if he makes the Earl's acquaintance, the old man just might help him find a position as an estate steward. And so Adam leaves home for Stanwell Court, where, to his pleasure, he's openly welcomed by his grand relatives. But even more pleasurable is the presence of the beauteous, impetuous and exceedingly rich Emma Lawrence (the daughter of his uncle's neighbour). Adam has never a young lady who exasperates yet who still manages to captivate him so. But no young heiress would ever consider the son of a rector who has no money or prospects a worthy match. Emma, however, has worries of her own: her father wants her to marry her loutish and loathsome cousin, Claude. So if Adam cannot aspire for her hand in marriage, perhaps he can still keep his lady free from harm...

"The Madcap Heiress" was a pleasant enough read -- nothing earth-shatteringly new or novel, just a quietly pleasant tale about a nice and deserving young man and the strong minded and impetuous young woman he falls in love with. Adam is not your usual Regency-era hero: he's quiet, gentle, and possesses fine manners and scruples -- scruples that actually forbid him from openly acting on his feelings for Emma given his situation. Some readers may be disappointed in Adam, but I found Adam refreshingly different and exactly how I'd expect the nicely brought up son of a rector to behave. The problem with "The Madcap Heiress" lay in the behaviour of our heroine, Emma. Now, I did develop quite a bit of sympathy for Emma. Ignored by her father most of the time, except on the issue of her prospective husband (though how any worthy father could expect his only child to marry a wastrel and a bully, esp one that his daughter openly expresses disdain and contempt, I'm not sure), I could see why she would have developed such a strong-willed and impetuous nature. But even I couldn't quite believe some of the foolish and daft things that she did. They really beggared belief! This one quibble apart, "The Madcap Heiress" was a rather enjoyable read. I esp liked how the authour showed us the strong bonds of friendship and affection that the Earl & Countess of Stanwell, Emma and her best friend, Gussie, had for each other; her vivid and luxurious portrayal of Emma's and Gussie's shopping spree in Bath; and her accurate and painful depiction of the straits that Emma finds herself in thanks to her father. So if you're looking for a nice, light and pleasant read, "The Madcap Heiress" definitely makes for a satisfying 3 star read.

Rating:
Summary: The Madcap Heiress
Review: Emma Lawrence is heiress to a large fortune, but refuses any of her suitors who are more interested in her dowry than herself. That includes her odious cousin Claude, who is determined to marry Emma any way he can. Since her father is more interested in his horses and totally approves of Claude, Emma stays quite often with her neighbors the Earl and Countess of Stanwell, in order to avoid Claude. Having little means but a proud heritage, Adam Herbert does not wish to follow in his father's footsteps as a humble rector so he sets off to see what the world has to offer. He arrives at Stanwell Court, the home of his great-uncle, to make himself known to him. There he meets the engaging Emma.

I have long been a fan of Emily Hendrickson but this book did not captivate me as some of her other ones. I grew a bit bored with the storyline and some of the plot was never fully explained. As to Adam and Emma, there wasn't much of a spark between them.

Rating:
Summary: Plodding
Review: Jane Austen could write a comedy of manners in which there is not a lot of action, because her characterizations were brilliant, and she had an dry wit which she applied to her social observations. Many contemporary Regency writers do not have this ability, and I am sad to say, this book is no exception to that.

Not very much happens in this book. The heroine is more idiot than madcap, and the situations into which she throws herself are ludicrous.

In short, this book is boring and tedious, and the reader will find herself yawning in no time at all.



Rating:
Summary: what happened to Adam's sisters??
Review: With all of his sisters well married, why was Adam and his parents still poor? Would not any of his brother-in-laws help their wives family? Even today one can expect to take care of ones parents to some degree. Would not one of these men have stepped in to address the issue of Adam's career since being a vicar was not a welcome vocation? It does not make any sense. Besides, Emma is a drag. Why do regency authors think that regency misses involved in ridiculous, stupid situations and behave as though they are just plain dumb are seen as smart and spunky? I have read a few of Ms. Henrickson's books in the past, but this was a disappointing read.