Rating: 
Summary: Another Winner by Ibbotson
Review: Amazon's branch in the UK carries this in paperback and her others as well. Readers also use interlibrary loans to find her novels. I virtually pulled an "all nighter" to finish this novel and that rather says it all. A young Russian countess is forced to work as an English earl's housemaid because of having fled revolutionary torn Russia. The earl is engaged to a beautiful heiress who is another one of Ibbotson's high comic characters. She believes in eugenics, getting rid of unfit people. The people in the earl's village and household use that vice to sink her boat with the earl. This is a fitting failing for the time period because it is right before Hitler and WWII. Ibbotson always seems to have the other woman as the villainess for the hero's affections. However, she presents them as such high figures of comedy that they are not at all clichés. I also love Ibbotson's use of time periods that few others seem inclined to use. This is right after WWI and the effect of that war on the survivors is part of the story. Ibbotson was a native of Vienna who settled in England herself so she brings all of her eastern European insight into her novels. This resembles a delightful fairy tale but there is no paranormal or fantasy aspect to it.
Rating:
Summary: Another Winner by Ibbotson
Review: Amazon's branch in the UK carries this in paperback and her others as well. Readers also use interlibrary loans to find her novels. I virtually pulled an "all nighter" to finish this novel and that rather says it all. A young Russian countess is forced to work as an English earl's housemaid because of having fled revolutionary torn Russia. The earl is engaged to a beautiful heiress who is another one of Ibbotson's high comic characters. She believes in eugenics, getting rid of unfit people. The people in the earl's village and household use that vice to sink her boat with the earl. This is a fitting failing for the time period because it is right before Hitler and WWII. Ibbotson always seems to have the other woman as the villainess for the hero's affections. However, she presents them as such high figures of comedy that they are not at all clichés. I also love Ibbotson's use of time periods that few others seem inclined to use. This is right after WWI and the effect of that war on the survivors is part of the story. Ibbotson was a native of Vienna who settled in England herself so she brings all of her eastern European insight into her novels. This resembles a delightful fairy tale but there is no paranormal or fantasy aspect to it.
Rating:
Summary: Another Winner by Ibbotson
Review: Amazon's branch in the UK carries this in paperback and her others as well. Readers also use interlibrary loans to find her novels. I virtually pulled an "all nighter" to finish this novel and that rather says it all. A young Russian countess is forced to work as an English earl's housemaid because of having fled revolutionary torn Russia. The earl is engaged to a beautiful heiress who is another one of Ibbotson's high comic characters. She believes in eugenics, getting rid of unfit people. The people in the earl's village and household use that vice to sink her boat with the earl. This is a fitting failing for the time period because it is right before Hitler and WWII. Ibbotson always seems to have the other woman as the villainess for the hero's affections. However, she presents them as such high figures of comedy that they are not at all clichés. I also love Ibbotson's use of time periods that few others seem inclined to use. This is right after WWI and the effect of that war on the survivors is part of the story. Ibbotson was a native of Vienna who settled in England herself so she brings all of her eastern European insight into her novels. This resembles a delightful fairy tale but there is no paranormal or fantasy aspect to it.
Rating: 
Summary: mocks all clichés
Review: By plot alone, this book would seem to be a harlequin romance. But it isn't. It's written with a wonderful charm and sense of humour that turns it all into a funny fairy tale. Actually, it is very much like her ghost stories for children. All the clichés of a bad romance is in it, and beautifully mocked. You might as well complain about Cinderella being stereotyped. My favourite people in this book is what you might call the second lovers - a hotheaded Irishman and an intellectual Jewess who take some time before they finally make it together. They also cause the best scene in the book.
Rating:
Summary: Don't lend this book - you'll never get it back!
Review: COUNTESS BELOW STAIRS is the kind of book that stays with you for years. Beautifully written with a great plot, it is one marvelously happy adventure. You will root unconditionally for the heroine, hiss the villain, and fall in love yourself with the hero and his dog. What more could any romance lover want? What a shame COUNTESS hasn't been re-printed yet in paperback. A word of warning: Do not lend your copy to anyone - not your best friend, not your mother! I lent mine to someone and *never* saw it again. If I ever find another copy, I'm locking it up!
Rating:
Summary: Exquisitely written, both funny and emotional.
Review: Eva Ibbotson is one of the best romance writers anywhere. Her characterization, humor, emotion, and quality of language are unlike anyone else. A Countess Below Stairs is the first of her books that I read, many years ago, and hooked me entirely. Her gallant Russian little countess, totally without snobbery and absolutely enchanting, her honorable hero (who'd have thought a hero could be named Rupert?), her animals, her secondary characters--all are perfect. Read this, or any other Ibbotson book you can find.
Rating:
Summary: Not For Kids
Review: I bought this book, mistakenly thinking that it was another of Eva Ibbottson's children's books. While it IS a very nice romance, one that even younger (11-15) girls might enjoy, it is not a children's book.The book itself is very good, as usual. Eva Ibbottson is so clever with plot twists and turns that, even in formula drama such as this, she will throw in a few surprises! And her writing is always so clear and direct.
Rating:
Summary: Not For Kids
Review: I bought this book, mistakenly thinking that it was another of Eva Ibbottson's children's books. While it IS a very nice romance, one that even younger (11-15) girls might enjoy, it is not a children's book. The book itself is very good, as usual. Eva Ibbottson is so clever with plot twists and turns that, even in formula drama such as this, she will throw in a few surprises! And her writing is always so clear and direct.
Rating:
Summary: Every home library should have this book.
Review: I loved this book when I read it the first time 17 years ago and loved it even more when I read again two years ago. This book is well written with a fun story and great characters. It's also clean! I'd recommend it for any age! I just wish I could get another paperback copy--mine has been read by at least 10 people.
Rating:
Summary: Every home library should have this book.
Review: I loved this book when I read it the first time 17 years ago and loved it even more when I read again two years ago. This book is well written with a fun story and great characters. It's also clean! I'd recommend it for any age! I just wish I could get another paperback copy--mine has been read by at least 10 people.
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