Cotillion by Georgette Heyer

[snugglekitty]

Heyer was recommended to me by polgaramalfoy and belgatherial in their generous response to my request for titles that might cheer me up. They were spot-on.

The gently bred Kitty Charing is the ward of a pennypinching, hypochondriac man, no actual relation to her, who is also a big meanie. He has devised a scheme to keep everyone in the family under his thumb. He wants Kitty to marry one of his great-nephews. If she does this, he will leave her all his fortune. If she refuses them all or marries someone else she will be cut off! Without a cent! Penniless!
She cannot bear to face either fate, so she devises a cunning plan. She will pretend to be engaged to Freddy, the one nephew who is secure in his own fortune and completely uninterested in hers. This will gain her a London Season. And in a London Season, anything can happen!

This book is what fans of Jane Austen and Anthony Trollope should read while they are on vacation. It is set in the Victorian era, but was written in the 1950s. It is shorter and easier to follow than most books actually written in that time period, but it has a very authentic feel. It is sweet and clever and not annoying. Once I got into it it was very hard to put down. Heyer, where have you been all my life? WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? Five stars. Fans of period pieces will find it very entertaining.

Comments

[redjo.livejournal.com]

That was one of my favorite Heyers. There are several I've read over and over a million times, and this was one. :)

[lady-anemone.livejournal.com]

The author was recommended to me, not any specific title - I was really lucky to pick such an awesome one just as random.