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Lydia;: Or, Love in town
Book by Darcy, Clare
255 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1973
107 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
About the author
Clare Darcy
28 books57 followersBorn in Ohio.
Widely considered the best of those inspired by Georgette Heyer, Darcy wrote a number of regency romances with intelligent, sparkling heroines.
A pseudonym for Mary Deasy
Information for place of birth from the jacket of one of Ms Darcy's books
Widely considered the best of those inspired by Georgette Heyer, Darcy wrote a number of regency romances with intelligent, sparkling heroines.
A pseudonym for Mary Deasy
Information for place of birth from the jacket of one of Ms Darcy's books
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
October 17, 2021
What a little treasure I've found.
Lydia, or Love in Town has proved to be a wholly endearing Traditional Regency, fitting the truest definition of the label to perfection.
The 1973 edition I've read touts it as the best next thing to Heyer one could get and, even if it doesn't reach the exquisitely filigreed prose and dialogues of such a unique wordsmith, it gets pretty close, while maintaining a good dose of distinctiveness, more than any other "descendant" I've ever encountered. And this is not a small feat for a book belonging to one of those few genres that draw their strength in being stylistically formulaic and where consequently all the winning odds rely on the execution rather than the invention. The author has won her risky bet though, achieving to infuse freshness and vitality to the narration, making her book a pleasant and personal "exercise in" and not a merely unoriginal and uninspired "imitation of".
Navigating through the insidious waters of the Ton, Lydia, an American young woman down on her financial luck, must find a wealthy husband in a very short time, she's not an ambitious fortune hunter, but the family's future is really at stake. And fretting butlers, besotted brothers, compulsive-gambler grandmothers, smarmy suitors, clumsy suitors, contented inheritances and elopements are not likely to facilitate the task. Let alone that handsome young devil of a viscount, Northover, who has the good sense to "abominate missish females" and the indecency to look at her and at the world with a constant sardonic light in his dark eyes.
You'll find the quirky jargon, the imagery, the fashion, the mores, the society rituals, the banters, all the right ingredients focused in conveying that perfect union between a farce (and I intend the term in a positive acceptation here) and a comedy of manners the genre is supposed to bring on the fictional stage to fully succeed, where the plot in itself takes secondary importance and the characters are witty templates, almost fixed theatrical masks, making the comedic mechanism engage and tick. The story and the love story may seem reduced to mere pretexts in such a literary construction, and it is in part true, but only to a certain point as one should rather regard them as the essential linchpins around which the author finely and deftly weaves the threads eventually forming the choral tapestry, allowing the genre's authentic vocation to emerge precisely by rendering the atmosphere permeating the setting the absolute and undisputed protagonist of the show.
For the sub-genre aficionados, well worth the tracking down efforts or, on the contrary, a captivating point from which to start if you've never read a real "old-fashioned" Regency before and, why not, to give yourself a chance to fall in love with the entire category.
Buddy-read with Anne :)
Lydia, or Love in Town has proved to be a wholly endearing Traditional Regency, fitting the truest definition of the label to perfection.
The 1973 edition I've read touts it as the best next thing to Heyer one could get and, even if it doesn't reach the exquisitely filigreed prose and dialogues of such a unique wordsmith, it gets pretty close, while maintaining a good dose of distinctiveness, more than any other "descendant" I've ever encountered. And this is not a small feat for a book belonging to one of those few genres that draw their strength in being stylistically formulaic and where consequently all the winning odds rely on the execution rather than the invention. The author has won her risky bet though, achieving to infuse freshness and vitality to the narration, making her book a pleasant and personal "exercise in" and not a merely unoriginal and uninspired "imitation of".
Navigating through the insidious waters of the Ton, Lydia, an American young woman down on her financial luck, must find a wealthy husband in a very short time, she's not an ambitious fortune hunter, but the family's future is really at stake. And fretting butlers, besotted brothers, compulsive-gambler grandmothers, smarmy suitors, clumsy suitors, contented inheritances and elopements are not likely to facilitate the task. Let alone that handsome young devil of a viscount, Northover, who has the good sense to "abominate missish females" and the indecency to look at her and at the world with a constant sardonic light in his dark eyes.
You'll find the quirky jargon, the imagery, the fashion, the mores, the society rituals, the banters, all the right ingredients focused in conveying that perfect union between a farce (and I intend the term in a positive acceptation here) and a comedy of manners the genre is supposed to bring on the fictional stage to fully succeed, where the plot in itself takes secondary importance and the characters are witty templates, almost fixed theatrical masks, making the comedic mechanism engage and tick. The story and the love story may seem reduced to mere pretexts in such a literary construction, and it is in part true, but only to a certain point as one should rather regard them as the essential linchpins around which the author finely and deftly weaves the threads eventually forming the choral tapestry, allowing the genre's authentic vocation to emerge precisely by rendering the atmosphere permeating the setting the absolute and undisputed protagonist of the show.
For the sub-genre aficionados, well worth the tracking down efforts or, on the contrary, a captivating point from which to start if you've never read a real "old-fashioned" Regency before and, why not, to give yourself a chance to fall in love with the entire category.
Buddy-read with Anne :)
October 11, 2014
What Regency Romance Has Taught Me
(I'm afraid this is Part 1 of many!)
1. If you meet a man and immediately dislike him, thinking him the most arrogant toad alive, chances are he's in fact your soulmate.
2. A gentleman's library: Please help yourself to any books you like. Said gentleman, a.k.a the hero, will in all likeliness pop in while you're perusing, and find you extremely hot.
3. Heaven forbid you waltz without first having being presented at Almack's!!! Capital offence!
4.Driving a high-perch phaeton at top speed in the middle of Hyde Park will not impress the hero, but make him secretly sick with fear.
5. If one has resolution, one can accomplish anything.
6. Chances are though, the hero will try to help. Even if he says he is by no means lifting as much as a finger to help, he will help. They can't help it. (hahaha! pun not even intended!)
7. Elopements. For heaven's sake, give them up, they NEVER work.
8. And if you are rescuing someone from an elopement, DO NOT write a silly letter mentioning that you are gone without telling why and DO NOT mention the man who is accompanying you without telling why's he with you. Everyone will think that they now a double elopement to deal with, and the hero will likely be seized of a fit of rage when he learns that you ran off with someone else.
9. Big hats with an overdose of ostrich feathers are NOT "all the crack".
10. Last but not least, most rakes are really, really, really hot.
(We all know Wentworth's not a rake, but I needed a hot man to illustrate my point. Besides on this photo he looks a tad rakish.)
Oh, and yes, I did like this book a lot, and strongly recommend it to all Regency romance lovers; it was funny, witty, entertaining and very Heyerish. Clare Darcy was very talented and she's the first Regency author that I've come across whose style so resembles Georgette Heyer's.
1. If you meet a man and immediately dislike him, thinking him the most arrogant toad alive, chances are he's in fact your soulmate.
2. A gentleman's library: Please help yourself to any books you like. Said gentleman, a.k.a the hero, will in all likeliness pop in while you're perusing, and find you extremely hot.
3. Heaven forbid you waltz without first having being presented at Almack's!!! Capital offence!
4.Driving a high-perch phaeton at top speed in the middle of Hyde Park will not impress the hero, but make him secretly sick with fear.
5. If one has resolution, one can accomplish anything.
6. Chances are though, the hero will try to help. Even if he says he is by no means lifting as much as a finger to help, he will help. They can't help it. (hahaha! pun not even intended!)
7. Elopements. For heaven's sake, give them up, they NEVER work.
8. And if you are rescuing someone from an elopement, DO NOT write a silly letter mentioning that you are gone without telling why and DO NOT mention the man who is accompanying you without telling why's he with you. Everyone will think that they now a double elopement to deal with, and the hero will likely be seized of a fit of rage when he learns that you ran off with someone else.
9. Big hats with an overdose of ostrich feathers are NOT "all the crack".
10. Last but not least, most rakes are really, really, really hot.
(We all know Wentworth's not a rake, but I needed a hot man to illustrate my point. Besides on this photo he looks a tad rakish.)
Oh, and yes, I did like this book a lot, and strongly recommend it to all Regency romance lovers; it was funny, witty, entertaining and very Heyerish. Clare Darcy was very talented and she's the first Regency author that I've come across whose style so resembles Georgette Heyer's.
November 14, 2020
I may not have been completely fair with my assessment of Ms. Darcy’s style of writing. Followers of traditional-style Regency romances know Georgette Heyer is the queen. I've read on several occasions that Joan Smith is Canada’s answer to this sub-genre. And Ms. Darcy, aka Mary Deasy, wins America’s suit. This is the third story I’ve read by this author and, by far, my favorite.
Lydia, along with her brother, are Americans. Along with their English grandmother, the threesome cross the pond and surface in Lord Northover’s home. The first time this couple met was unusual, but in a good way. Lydia is young, somewhat brash (chalk it up to how she was raised) and honest to a fault. Kit, Lord Northover, is mildly shocked, but still responsive to the young woman. He decides to help her find a suitable husband.
I enjoyed the sparkling dialogue and witty repartee between the MCs. For the most part, Lydia brims with confidence. Juggling all the craziness, Kit has his hands full of Lydia and her suitors. Not to mention her brother and his sweetheart. The conclusion of Lydia was expected, but oh-so-fun.
Lydia, along with her brother, are Americans. Along with their English grandmother, the threesome cross the pond and surface in Lord Northover’s home. The first time this couple met was unusual, but in a good way. Lydia is young, somewhat brash (chalk it up to how she was raised) and honest to a fault. Kit, Lord Northover, is mildly shocked, but still responsive to the young woman. He decides to help her find a suitable husband.
I enjoyed the sparkling dialogue and witty repartee between the MCs. For the most part, Lydia brims with confidence. Juggling all the craziness, Kit has his hands full of Lydia and her suitors. Not to mention her brother and his sweetheart. The conclusion of Lydia was expected, but oh-so-fun.
June 12, 2021
Those HR readers like me, of a certain (never-to-be-divulged) age, are very familiar with Georgette Heyer and her traditional Regency romances of long ago. Heyer lived from 1902-1974 and published her romances from 1921 to 1972. They were well researched, had lively characters and fun dialogue, and were romantic to boot, even though kisses-only (and those kisses at the very end following the declaration of love on the last pages).
This American author, Clare Darcy, was almost a contemporary of English author Heyer. Mary Deasy (her real name) was born in Ohio in 1914 and died in 1978. Her Regency romances were published from 1971 until 1982 (obviously, the last books posthumously). She has been praised as a true successor to Georgette Heyer in wit, romance, entertaining characters and dialogue, historical accuracy and old-timey slang and cant.
I had never read Darcy's romances, but a few years ago when I wanted to try her style out I discovered that her old paperback books were not easy to come by. Fortunately, they are now being released in e-format and any fan of the old traditional Regency romance has a treat in store.
This is my first Clare Darcy book and I confess to being just a tad disappointed by it. It is quite imitative of Heyer's style but isn't quite as good. Although it was off to an entertaining start I found the last third to begin to bore me and just read like a somewhat tedious imitation of a Heyer romance. I began to skim a bit. Yet it is worth the read. It's an old book (from 1973) and better written than most of what is being published nowadays as Regency romance.
The plot revolves around a young woman, Lydia Leyland, her brother Bayard, and her grandmother, who arrive from America to improve their straitened financial situation by finding a wealthy peer for Lydia to marry. For the moment they are staying at the grandmother's former home (compliments of the butler in charge there who had been butler during the grandmother's family's days of ownership). But the home now belongs to a certain Lord Northover, recently arrived back in England from the Napoleonic Wars.
Much to the chagrin of the butler and his uninvited guests, Lord Northover decides to make an unexpected visit to this estate. But also unexpectedly, instead of being upset by these "squatters," Northover finds himself amused and intrigued by the lovely Lydia, a feisty, headstrong, blunt, whirlwind of a young woman and he allows the family to stay until they've made more permanent living arrangements in London. When they do leave, he keeps in touch with them in London, again for his entertainment and amusement. After all, he's been a soldier and finds the stuffy social atmosphere of the London ton stifling and boring. What better way to keep himself entertained than to observe Lydia et al making their way through society.
So Lydia finds herself a Belle of the Ball, in spite of her forward ways, and has many a peer interested in her romantically. Will she find her wealthy husband? But, if not, there seems to be another solution to their financial problems. There's the hope that crusty, reclusive uncle Sir Basil might make Lydia's brother Bayard his heir instead of their conniving cousin Mr. Pentony. Hijinks ensue all around. This is a fun romp of a book. There's a musical chairs game of romantic pairings, some villainous actions on the part of the cousin, and a final HEA for everyone.
This is amusing and well written but it has a few strikes against it for me. Lydia and her grandmother come across as annoying grifters. They're out for themselves and play people off of each other to get what they want. They are manipulating and selfish and self-involved. Bayard, the brother, not so much. He's just a bit of an obtuse, likable guy.
Some readers have likened Lydia to the heroine in Heyer's THE GRAND SOPHY, who is also a bit of a manipulator. But I found Sophy to be much more likable and much more interested in the well-being of others. Lydia is just out for Lydia. Oh well, the hero thinks he will be entertained by Lydia as his wife. She is pretty and lively and I guess that's what he's looking for.
The other drawback to this book is one I mentioned earlier on. It loses steam for me in the last third and is no longer so witty and entertaining, but rather becomes a bit tedious. Yet I liked this well enough to go looking for another Clare Darcy HR to try out.
This American author, Clare Darcy, was almost a contemporary of English author Heyer. Mary Deasy (her real name) was born in Ohio in 1914 and died in 1978. Her Regency romances were published from 1971 until 1982 (obviously, the last books posthumously). She has been praised as a true successor to Georgette Heyer in wit, romance, entertaining characters and dialogue, historical accuracy and old-timey slang and cant.
I had never read Darcy's romances, but a few years ago when I wanted to try her style out I discovered that her old paperback books were not easy to come by. Fortunately, they are now being released in e-format and any fan of the old traditional Regency romance has a treat in store.
This is my first Clare Darcy book and I confess to being just a tad disappointed by it. It is quite imitative of Heyer's style but isn't quite as good. Although it was off to an entertaining start I found the last third to begin to bore me and just read like a somewhat tedious imitation of a Heyer romance. I began to skim a bit. Yet it is worth the read. It's an old book (from 1973) and better written than most of what is being published nowadays as Regency romance.
The plot revolves around a young woman, Lydia Leyland, her brother Bayard, and her grandmother, who arrive from America to improve their straitened financial situation by finding a wealthy peer for Lydia to marry. For the moment they are staying at the grandmother's former home (compliments of the butler in charge there who had been butler during the grandmother's family's days of ownership). But the home now belongs to a certain Lord Northover, recently arrived back in England from the Napoleonic Wars.
Much to the chagrin of the butler and his uninvited guests, Lord Northover decides to make an unexpected visit to this estate. But also unexpectedly, instead of being upset by these "squatters," Northover finds himself amused and intrigued by the lovely Lydia, a feisty, headstrong, blunt, whirlwind of a young woman and he allows the family to stay until they've made more permanent living arrangements in London. When they do leave, he keeps in touch with them in London, again for his entertainment and amusement. After all, he's been a soldier and finds the stuffy social atmosphere of the London ton stifling and boring. What better way to keep himself entertained than to observe Lydia et al making their way through society.
So Lydia finds herself a Belle of the Ball, in spite of her forward ways, and has many a peer interested in her romantically. Will she find her wealthy husband? But, if not, there seems to be another solution to their financial problems. There's the hope that crusty, reclusive uncle Sir Basil might make Lydia's brother Bayard his heir instead of their conniving cousin Mr. Pentony. Hijinks ensue all around. This is a fun romp of a book. There's a musical chairs game of romantic pairings, some villainous actions on the part of the cousin, and a final HEA for everyone.
This is amusing and well written but it has a few strikes against it for me. Lydia and her grandmother come across as annoying grifters. They're out for themselves and play people off of each other to get what they want. They are manipulating and selfish and self-involved. Bayard, the brother, not so much. He's just a bit of an obtuse, likable guy.
Some readers have likened Lydia to the heroine in Heyer's THE GRAND SOPHY, who is also a bit of a manipulator. But I found Sophy to be much more likable and much more interested in the well-being of others. Lydia is just out for Lydia. Oh well, the hero thinks he will be entertained by Lydia as his wife. She is pretty and lively and I guess that's what he's looking for.
The other drawback to this book is one I mentioned earlier on. It loses steam for me in the last third and is no longer so witty and entertaining, but rather becomes a bit tedious. Yet I liked this well enough to go looking for another Clare Darcy HR to try out.
dnf_maybe-tis-just-me
October 10, 2019Just three chapters down and I strongly dislike the h.
I may be in a minority here but certainly not the only one to find the h and her family (and their maid) to be shameless freeloaders. Actually parasites is the more befitting term. (Let me be as barefaced about it as them!)
First, they brazenly lodge themselves at one of the H's houses, in the owner's absence, emotionally blackmailing old retainers. It once belonged to the h's family long ago but...doesn't now.
When the H unexpectedly visits, they show complete insouciance!
The h's persona jars badly as a self-satisfied and forward beauty bent on bettering her lot through her looks. And she calmly shares her brazen views with a stranger (the H) within seconds of meeting him. Even that can be forgiven but to look down on the owner and his rundown house as proof of his lack of funds - and so stating to his face that's he's beneath her to even consider as a contender for her hand!
Then she recounts of a rich uncle who they may persuade to look out for them but he has other relatives who have been turning him up sweet for years. Says one parasite of another!
Her family is equally unabashed and forward. The grandmother (while not asking for a delayed permission or an apology) goes on to criticize the H's great uncle as a disagreeable man.
Too much brazenness for me! Just the kind of inconsiderate, self-serving people I'd hate in RL.
Not sure I can continue.
I may be in a minority here but certainly not the only one to find the h and her family (and their maid) to be shameless freeloaders. Actually parasites is the more befitting term. (Let me be as barefaced about it as them!)
First, they brazenly lodge themselves at one of the H's houses, in the owner's absence, emotionally blackmailing old retainers. It once belonged to the h's family long ago but...doesn't now.
When the H unexpectedly visits, they show complete insouciance!
The h's persona jars badly as a self-satisfied and forward beauty bent on bettering her lot through her looks. And she calmly shares her brazen views with a stranger (the H) within seconds of meeting him. Even that can be forgiven but to look down on the owner and his rundown house as proof of his lack of funds - and so stating to his face that's he's beneath her to even consider as a contender for her hand!
Then she recounts of a rich uncle who they may persuade to look out for them but he has other relatives who have been turning him up sweet for years. Says one parasite of another!
Her family is equally unabashed and forward. The grandmother (while not asking for a delayed permission or an apology) goes on to criticize the H's great uncle as a disagreeable man.
Too much brazenness for me! Just the kind of inconsiderate, self-serving people I'd hate in RL.
Not sure I can continue.
February 26, 2017
My favorite type of Regency romances. With a headstrong hero and heroine who quarrel and fight with each other repeatedly. There were fun and witty dialogues. As Christina ~ Brunette Reader wrote we had here: fretting butlers, besotted brothers, compulsive-gambler grandmothers, smarmy suitors, clumsy suitors. But main plot was about Lydia who gradually made quite a mess, with herself in the middle. And the moment, when Northover sorted all out at the end, was this precious moment of this kind of romance (I am sure you know what I mean ;-) )
I really, really love to end reading with a big smile. And I really, really love rakes (Am I hopeless? ;-) )
This novel made my weekend really enjoyable.
If you want more information I recommend Anne and Christina ~ Brunette Reader reviews.
I really, really love to end reading with a big smile. And I really, really love rakes (Am I hopeless? ;-) )
This novel made my weekend really enjoyable.
If you want more information I recommend Anne and Christina ~ Brunette Reader reviews.
May 7, 2023
Another book for fans of Georgette Heyer
A very enjoyable Regency romp, with a spirited heroine and some good secondary characters. Recommended for fans of Georgette Heyer
A very enjoyable Regency romp, with a spirited heroine and some good secondary characters. Recommended for fans of Georgette Heyer
November 13, 2013
Kit, Viscount Northover returns to England after the war to take up his title and his country seat Great Hayland only to discover his house is occupied by people unknown to him! Lydia Leyland, her brother and her grandmother have come to Grandmama's native England from their home in New Orleans to try to repair the family fortunes. Lydia declares to Northover that she's going to marry a fortune no matter who or what tries to stand in her way. She'll do whatever it takes to rescue her family from ruin. Northover, amused by the outspoken young American, introduces the Leylands to the ton where Lydia quickly finds herself the object of attention. Her brother hopes to inherit his great-aunt's husband's fortune but Sir Basil's first wife's nephew, Mr. Pentony, also has designs on the fortune and he will stop at nothing to get it. Lydia has her hands full trying to keep her relatives out of trouble and avoid the nasty Mr. Pentony and the odiously rude Northover. Desperate to prove to Northover she can and will marry a fortune, she sets about to find more suitors causing mayhem and mischief wherever she goes.
This is a traditional Clare Darcy novel written in the tradition of Georgette Heyer. It does not copy one of Heyer's plots though Lydia is a bit reminiscent of Sophy in The Grand Sophy. I really liked Lydia though at times she was a bit cold and unlikeable and other times was completely crazy. I felt bad for her that she was the only sensible member of the family. Her antics made me giggle. The romance hardly develops at all. Most of the interactions between the hero and heroine consist of arguments which conclude in Lydia running off. We're supposed to assume they fall in love based on mutual admiration of spirited personalities. The middle drags out a lot before picking up with a hackneyed plot towards the end and culminating in a slightly rushed romantic scene. Even though it is not the best Clare Darcy novel I enjoyed it.
This is a traditional Clare Darcy novel written in the tradition of Georgette Heyer. It does not copy one of Heyer's plots though Lydia is a bit reminiscent of Sophy in The Grand Sophy. I really liked Lydia though at times she was a bit cold and unlikeable and other times was completely crazy. I felt bad for her that she was the only sensible member of the family. Her antics made me giggle. The romance hardly develops at all. Most of the interactions between the hero and heroine consist of arguments which conclude in Lydia running off. We're supposed to assume they fall in love based on mutual admiration of spirited personalities. The middle drags out a lot before picking up with a hackneyed plot towards the end and culminating in a slightly rushed romantic scene. Even though it is not the best Clare Darcy novel I enjoyed it.
October 10, 2018
Too often American authors write regency romances set in England where their heroines show complete disregard for custom, tradition, rules, or the rest of society, and the hero is supposed to be attracted to them and find the character speaking their mind with zero manners 'refreshing'.
'Lydia' starts off this way. The Leyland family emigrate to England and force themselves into a grand old house that used to belong to their ancestors by bullying the poor old butler. When the owner of the residence returns to town and finds them situated in his house, not a single member of the family finds it necessary to apologise for barging in and making themselves comfortable. Their manners are entirely lacking, but rather than making Lord Northover understandably angry, he is apparently diverted. He finds Lydia 'unique'. I found her obnoxious.
Later her behaviour improves a little, although the way she talks to people would realistically have led to her being shunned by the ton, not considered all the rage. Speaking fluent French to the patronesses of Almack's would hardly have been likely to make those ladies forgive flagrant rule breaking being carried on right in front of their noses, as most wealthy ladies in those days would have spoken French thanks to governesses and it being considered a necessary accomplishment for ladies. It felt far too showy, as though the American author wasn't fully understanding the attitudes and ideas of England during the regency period she was writing about.
I felt society in general was far too forgiving of the Leyland siblings and their grandmother, and of the many scrapes they found themselves in. Lord Northover's character I enjoyed however, despite his inexplicable attraction to Lydia...
Not my favourite Clare Darcy book, but a quick, mildly entertaining read.
'Lydia' starts off this way. The Leyland family emigrate to England and force themselves into a grand old house that used to belong to their ancestors by bullying the poor old butler. When the owner of the residence returns to town and finds them situated in his house, not a single member of the family finds it necessary to apologise for barging in and making themselves comfortable. Their manners are entirely lacking, but rather than making Lord Northover understandably angry, he is apparently diverted. He finds Lydia 'unique'. I found her obnoxious.
Later her behaviour improves a little, although the way she talks to people would realistically have led to her being shunned by the ton, not considered all the rage. Speaking fluent French to the patronesses of Almack's would hardly have been likely to make those ladies forgive flagrant rule breaking being carried on right in front of their noses, as most wealthy ladies in those days would have spoken French thanks to governesses and it being considered a necessary accomplishment for ladies. It felt far too showy, as though the American author wasn't fully understanding the attitudes and ideas of England during the regency period she was writing about.
I felt society in general was far too forgiving of the Leyland siblings and their grandmother, and of the many scrapes they found themselves in. Lord Northover's character I enjoyed however, despite his inexplicable attraction to Lydia...
Not my favourite Clare Darcy book, but a quick, mildly entertaining read.
January 3, 2020
Ugh. I really wanted to like Clare Darcy because she was touted in her day as the new Georgette Heyer, but after reading four of her novels I’m seriously underwhelmed. She’s got the language mostly down but her characters just aren’t enjoyable! And the relationships have no excitement or tension. I’m so disappointed. Why can’t anybody write like Georgette Heyer?
So this book... Hated Lydia from the start. She didn’t get any better. Northover was fine but not deep enough to tempt me. The other characters weren’t well-drawn and kept changing personalities. The grandmother was this seasoned old tartar who makes a deal with a banker to get his richest client to will his money to her grandson, then she seems to forget all about it and wonder why her granddaughter keeps trying to get it done. And she lets herself get lured into a gaming hell and loses $4000 pounds. What?! The brother is this devil-may-care bored guy, then he turns all Mooney-eyed and romantic for the girl of his dreams. Where’d that come from?! And the hero and heroine just battle each other the whole time, then suddenly they’re in love at the end. Whatever.
Some people love this book and this author. I just wonder how they can say that if they’ve read Georgette Heyer. But that’s just me, I guess. President of the GH Fan Club!
So this book... Hated Lydia from the start. She didn’t get any better. Northover was fine but not deep enough to tempt me. The other characters weren’t well-drawn and kept changing personalities. The grandmother was this seasoned old tartar who makes a deal with a banker to get his richest client to will his money to her grandson, then she seems to forget all about it and wonder why her granddaughter keeps trying to get it done. And she lets herself get lured into a gaming hell and loses $4000 pounds. What?! The brother is this devil-may-care bored guy, then he turns all Mooney-eyed and romantic for the girl of his dreams. Where’d that come from?! And the hero and heroine just battle each other the whole time, then suddenly they’re in love at the end. Whatever.
Some people love this book and this author. I just wonder how they can say that if they’ve read Georgette Heyer. But that’s just me, I guess. President of the GH Fan Club!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2011
I first discovered Clare Darcy in junior high. My mother deemed her appropriate for me to read because there was no sex in her books. Through Clare, I met Georgette Heyer and began a lifetime of trashy novel reading. Years later, when I happen across either Georgette or Clare's books at Half-Price books, I have a hard time resisting them.
Although Lydia or Love in Town was not the first of Clare's books I read, it was in those critical first stacks of books I'd pick up at our library. Even back then, they were light reads, to be accomplished in about 2 hours. I always find them perfect for those days when I just want to relax.
After reading trashy novels for a while, it's easy to figure out the storyline. Eventually they begin to blur. I remember Lydia because the storyline is a rare one of an American breaking into the Upper Ten Thousand through family connections.
I recommend both Georgette Heyer and Clare Darcy for anyone in need of light reading... and a giggle or two at the wit.
Although Lydia or Love in Town was not the first of Clare's books I read, it was in those critical first stacks of books I'd pick up at our library. Even back then, they were light reads, to be accomplished in about 2 hours. I always find them perfect for those days when I just want to relax.
After reading trashy novels for a while, it's easy to figure out the storyline. Eventually they begin to blur. I remember Lydia because the storyline is a rare one of an American breaking into the Upper Ten Thousand through family connections.
I recommend both Georgette Heyer and Clare Darcy for anyone in need of light reading... and a giggle or two at the wit.
May 23, 2020
I first read Clare Darcy when I was probably 14 years old - I snagged it off my mother's bookshelf, along with Georgette Heyer. She had an omnibus edition that included Cecily, Georgiana and Cecily. I basically read it into tatters.
When authors like Heyer and Victoria Holt and Phyllis Whitney started showing up on kindle with huge backlist, I remembered the omnibus and wondered if any of the books in it had been reprinted. After a fair amount of bookish detective work, I figured out that it had to have been Clare Darcy. When I started checking for her backlist, in probably 2014 or so, there was nothing there.
Nonetheless, I persevered, and every year or so I would search the amazon store to see if they had shown up. And this morning, when I looked again, there they were, all available through the KU library. I downloaded Lydia and settled in.
This is a quick read - I probably tore through it in 90 minutes or so. The word that most readily leaps to mind to describe it is "adorable." It is light-hearted and sweet and funny. Lydia is a hoot, the true heir to Heyer's Grand Sophy. Darcy isn't as good as Heyer, but she is good.
I just don't know which one to read next.
When authors like Heyer and Victoria Holt and Phyllis Whitney started showing up on kindle with huge backlist, I remembered the omnibus and wondered if any of the books in it had been reprinted. After a fair amount of bookish detective work, I figured out that it had to have been Clare Darcy. When I started checking for her backlist, in probably 2014 or so, there was nothing there.
Nonetheless, I persevered, and every year or so I would search the amazon store to see if they had shown up. And this morning, when I looked again, there they were, all available through the KU library. I downloaded Lydia and settled in.
This is a quick read - I probably tore through it in 90 minutes or so. The word that most readily leaps to mind to describe it is "adorable." It is light-hearted and sweet and funny. Lydia is a hoot, the true heir to Heyer's Grand Sophy. Darcy isn't as good as Heyer, but she is good.
I just don't know which one to read next.
October 14, 2024
I’m a huge Georgette Heyer fan. Lydia adopts many of the same tropes, including the language and certain stock characters. I enjoyed the story but found there was too much telling. I missed the immersive experience I always get from a Heyer novel.
June 15, 2023
I... may have read this before... But it's also reminiscent of a few other plots. It didn't make it less enjoyable (again, some distaste with some plot elements) and I would recommend overall!
August 26, 2017
In this one a young woman, her brother and their grandmother arrive in England for the purpose of improving their financial condition, through marriage or rich relatives, the method doesn't really matter. Lydia, beautiful and fiesty, is linked romantically with various wealthy suitors but falls for the one person she swears she could never be interested in. These novels all end the same so it's not really a spoiler to say that all the main characters end up with true love, great wealth and enviable social standing. No surprises, no sadness - that's why we read these books, right?
I like this time period in any novel, but I like those better that were actually written in that time. I know the authors of the newer ones do lots of research to make sure the fashion, manners, morals and language are authentic, but I sometimes feel like they're trying too hard. I thought in this one there were too many details brought to the reader's attention that didn't advance the story in any way, and so much Regency slang used that it became tedious to read.
This one is for when you want something you don't have to think about, a harmless distraction from real life and weightier books. Very light reading.
I like this time period in any novel, but I like those better that were actually written in that time. I know the authors of the newer ones do lots of research to make sure the fashion, manners, morals and language are authentic, but I sometimes feel like they're trying too hard. I thought in this one there were too many details brought to the reader's attention that didn't advance the story in any way, and so much Regency slang used that it became tedious to read.
This one is for when you want something you don't have to think about, a harmless distraction from real life and weightier books. Very light reading.
August 11, 2016
What a delight to discover Clare Darcy!
I have always wondered why Regency romances never stop being published, bought, read. And now I know--readers are hoping for another Clare Darcy. I found myself whooping with laughter every couple of pages, and reading bits out loud, just for the delight of the language.
Off to find more Clare Darcys now. . . . alas! there are only a handful.
I have always wondered why Regency romances never stop being published, bought, read. And now I know--readers are hoping for another Clare Darcy. I found myself whooping with laughter every couple of pages, and reading bits out loud, just for the delight of the language.
Off to find more Clare Darcys now. . . . alas! there are only a handful.
February 14, 2025
I've read this novel in Italian.
Here is my review in Italian.
___________
'Lydia' è il terzo (di 14) romanzi regency scritti da Clare Darcy (pseudonimo di Mary Deasy, 1914-1978) e il settimo che leggo (quello che mi è piaciuto di più è 'Allegra').
L’incipit del romanzo è delizioso. Il modo in cui Northover scopre che la sua villa è in realtà occupata da perfetti sconosciuti (per lui, perché Cupitt era maggiordomo anche con i vecchi proprietari e conosceva la signora Leyland quando era una bimbetta) è molto divertente (per certi versi mi ha ricordato il film 'Torna a settembre' con Rock Hudson, Gina Lollobrigida e Sandra Dee) e vale da solo il prezzo del libro.
Il romanzo, nel complesso, si inserisce nella scia dei regency della Darcy: adorabili storie che si leggono in poco tempo, ma di cui resta poco al termine della lettura. Interessante in questo particolare romanzo è la differenza tra l’educazione inglese e quella americana, con particolare attenzione al valzer, che a Londra non poteva essere ballato senza l’approvazione delle patronesse di Almack’s mentre in America non vi erano particolari proibizioni (ovviamente questo dettaglio, come altri, darà vita a equivoci e situazioni imbarazzanti).
Nel complesso i personaggi rimangono poco approfonditi, ma simpatici (in particolare la signora Layland). L’innamoramento di Northover nei confronti di Lydia lo dobbiamo accettare senza un pizzico di spiegazione cognitiva del personaggio. E la mancanza di lungimiranza del signor Pentony (il cugino velenoso) è, sebbene irreale, fondamentale per la trama.
Romanzo tipo della Darcy, che non regala né sorprese né delusioni. Come sempre, per chi ama i regency di una volta, puliti e ricchi di equivoci, ed ha finito di leggere tutto quello che è possibile di Georgette Heyer.
Per la recensione completa leggi il mio blog:
Here is my review in Italian.
___________
'Lydia' è il terzo (di 14) romanzi regency scritti da Clare Darcy (pseudonimo di Mary Deasy, 1914-1978) e il settimo che leggo (quello che mi è piaciuto di più è 'Allegra').
L’incipit del romanzo è delizioso. Il modo in cui Northover scopre che la sua villa è in realtà occupata da perfetti sconosciuti (per lui, perché Cupitt era maggiordomo anche con i vecchi proprietari e conosceva la signora Leyland quando era una bimbetta) è molto divertente (per certi versi mi ha ricordato il film 'Torna a settembre' con Rock Hudson, Gina Lollobrigida e Sandra Dee) e vale da solo il prezzo del libro.
Il romanzo, nel complesso, si inserisce nella scia dei regency della Darcy: adorabili storie che si leggono in poco tempo, ma di cui resta poco al termine della lettura. Interessante in questo particolare romanzo è la differenza tra l’educazione inglese e quella americana, con particolare attenzione al valzer, che a Londra non poteva essere ballato senza l’approvazione delle patronesse di Almack’s mentre in America non vi erano particolari proibizioni (ovviamente questo dettaglio, come altri, darà vita a equivoci e situazioni imbarazzanti).
Nel complesso i personaggi rimangono poco approfonditi, ma simpatici (in particolare la signora Layland). L’innamoramento di Northover nei confronti di Lydia lo dobbiamo accettare senza un pizzico di spiegazione cognitiva del personaggio. E la mancanza di lungimiranza del signor Pentony (il cugino velenoso) è, sebbene irreale, fondamentale per la trama.
Romanzo tipo della Darcy, che non regala né sorprese né delusioni. Come sempre, per chi ama i regency di una volta, puliti e ricchi di equivoci, ed ha finito di leggere tutto quello che è possibile di Georgette Heyer.
Per la recensione completa leggi il mio blog:
October 11, 2020
I've read a lot of this type of regency-era novel, and I really do think that Clare Darcy gets the closest to Georgette Heyer's fun and style. So far, I've read this, Gwendolen, and Allegra. And with all three, I've had that same simple happiness in reading that I have with Heyer... that happiness of just being immersed in the world and enjoying the characters and looking up old-fashioned words/phrases and laughing at the verbal sparring.
So far, Darcy's books are not as good as Heyer's best, but I like them better than Heyer's worst. Darcy's weakest point for me in all three of these books has been that the characters are just a bit lacking in 3D and sparkle, and that I don't quite follow their emotional arcs. I think the character's personalities lack just a bit of specificity or individuality... I don't dislike them, but they they run together in my mind after only a few days. And I often don't know what they are thinking (because Darcy doesn't specify), or I don't understand their thought processes, so that some decisions or relationships seem to come out of the blue.
And also in all three of these the heroines have been very quick tempered and quick to scathingly accuse, which is not my favorite. And sometimes they have been a bit dumb/naive/unobservant. And of course the plots are a little silly, but that's kind of par for this genre, so I'm willing to overlook that more quickly.
That was a lot about what I didn't like, but overall, I've enjoyed reading these books. These are that great kind of book where you just enjoy reading every page and being there. I really like Darcy's prose and think it does rival Heyer's. And the world is just so fun.
So far, Darcy's books are not as good as Heyer's best, but I like them better than Heyer's worst. Darcy's weakest point for me in all three of these books has been that the characters are just a bit lacking in 3D and sparkle, and that I don't quite follow their emotional arcs. I think the character's personalities lack just a bit of specificity or individuality... I don't dislike them, but they they run together in my mind after only a few days. And I often don't know what they are thinking (because Darcy doesn't specify), or I don't understand their thought processes, so that some decisions or relationships seem to come out of the blue.
And also in all three of these the heroines have been very quick tempered and quick to scathingly accuse, which is not my favorite. And sometimes they have been a bit dumb/naive/unobservant. And of course the plots are a little silly, but that's kind of par for this genre, so I'm willing to overlook that more quickly.
That was a lot about what I didn't like, but overall, I've enjoyed reading these books. These are that great kind of book where you just enjoy reading every page and being there. I really like Darcy's prose and think it does rival Heyer's. And the world is just so fun.
September 20, 2022
My library lent me a 1972 trilogy of Darcys, Cecily, Georgina and Lydia, in one well-bound volume. I love libraries! (This one is really too fat for bedtime reading, though.)
In each Darcy writes of the ton (the upper reaches of the Regency aristocracy) where the young men seek wives of grace, beauty and substantial dowry and the young ladies seek gentlemen of good breeding, respectable titles, strong physiques and large fortunes, even without a lady's dowry.
In each, Darcy writes classic romances with suitable heroines and heroes, one or the other starting altar shy until, near the end, awakening to the call of love. Always, her writing is almost as graceful as the dancing at Almack's. The dialog is rooted in the idioms of the day, seldom as formal as the characters in her novels. (She sounds like she is inspired by Heyer.)
In Lydia Darcy gives us the strongest of three very strong heroines. She's an American beauty from Louisiana, speaking perfect English (well, perhaps we should call it American) and French she charms the ton. And makes lots of enemies along the way. (Did you think the young English ladies would happily let her choose from among their most eligible?)
Darcy is really good with her details. How does Lydia speak perfect French? A French governess when she lived on her Louisiana plantation, of course.
I'd tell you how good the plot is, but that would involve spoilers. You'll want to figure it out yourself, right?
In each Darcy writes of the ton (the upper reaches of the Regency aristocracy) where the young men seek wives of grace, beauty and substantial dowry and the young ladies seek gentlemen of good breeding, respectable titles, strong physiques and large fortunes, even without a lady's dowry.
In each, Darcy writes classic romances with suitable heroines and heroes, one or the other starting altar shy until, near the end, awakening to the call of love. Always, her writing is almost as graceful as the dancing at Almack's. The dialog is rooted in the idioms of the day, seldom as formal as the characters in her novels. (She sounds like she is inspired by Heyer.)
In Lydia Darcy gives us the strongest of three very strong heroines. She's an American beauty from Louisiana, speaking perfect English (well, perhaps we should call it American) and French she charms the ton. And makes lots of enemies along the way. (Did you think the young English ladies would happily let her choose from among their most eligible?)
Darcy is really good with her details. How does Lydia speak perfect French? A French governess when she lived on her Louisiana plantation, of course.
I'd tell you how good the plot is, but that would involve spoilers. You'll want to figure it out yourself, right?
March 26, 2020
This was a total romp! I stayed up way beyond my bedtime to read this book. I read a lot of reviewers saying this author is a passable imitation of Heyer, but I'm beginning to disagree. I think Ms. Darcy might be better. I mean, she already has the name to back her.
Get it?
Anyway, Darcy's heroines tend to be less air-headed. Though within the genre, it is a trend for the women to make a mess of things so the brooding hero can swoop in. But some people like their hot and sexy men to shift into horses. So, you know--apples and oranges.
I, for one, am trash for regency romance and this might be my favorite so far. Austen isn't in the category. She is what started the trend.
I ate this book up. My next read isn't supposed to be regency but I might cave and read another...
Get it?
Anyway, Darcy's heroines tend to be less air-headed. Though within the genre, it is a trend for the women to make a mess of things so the brooding hero can swoop in. But some people like their hot and sexy men to shift into horses. So, you know--apples and oranges.
I, for one, am trash for regency romance and this might be my favorite so far. Austen isn't in the category. She is what started the trend.
I ate this book up. My next read isn't supposed to be regency but I might cave and read another...
September 2, 2024
I recognize that these books are not literary giants, but if you like regency romance, they are fun. The plots are engaging, the characters witty. If you are looking for an inbetween of Jane Austen and the sex of Bridgerton, then this is what you want. I appreciate anyone who can successfully write romance without needing someone naked every five pages. And honestly, who the hell has time to have that much sex anyway? These are a great option for girls/young teens who are reading on higher levels, and need a wholesome author. I would let my daughter read this, and her other novels, at a young age. The characters are strong women, classical heroines.
November 18, 2021
Close enough to Georgette Heyer to be frustrating that it isn't. Full of Heyer tropes plus some good original moments such as the waltz scene at Almack's.
No howlingly obvious anachronisms and the style could be Heyer, except that it isn't witty or funny enough. Heyer herself hated her copiers and called out their use of "Cheltenham tragedy" as though it were accepted slang of the time (actually, Heyer made it up). Clare Darcy is a culprit.
If you are happy to take this book as Heyer homage, you would probably enjoy it. I was unable to forgive it for not being the real thing.
No howlingly obvious anachronisms and the style could be Heyer, except that it isn't witty or funny enough. Heyer herself hated her copiers and called out their use of "Cheltenham tragedy" as though it were accepted slang of the time (actually, Heyer made it up). Clare Darcy is a culprit.
If you are happy to take this book as Heyer homage, you would probably enjoy it. I was unable to forgive it for not being the real thing.
January 15, 2021
Almost 5 stars for this one. So good, I almost forgot I wasn’t reading Georgette Heyer a few times. Lydia is a fun heroine. I’m really gaining respect for Clare Darcy (Mary Deasy) as a writer the more of her books I read. She really is the next best to Heyer in this genre. I could of course make some minor complaints but in general a really enjoyable read. And of course a classy clean romance, which is a rare find (sadly).
November 12, 2024
I’ve noticed with Darcy’s books the h/h tend to finally get together quite suddenly. It’s like the feelings come out of nowhere and to be honest I’m not a huge fan of that. I wish there was a better transition period for it to make more sense. But I liked the scenes and enjoyed reading it nonetheless.
November 23, 2020
Fell down for me a bit at the end. The crisis moment became more than a little ridiculous (anyone else want to show up at this random inn?), the hero behaved like an ass, and the heroine finally convinced him of her worthiness by bursting into tears. Not exactly the stuff of great romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2024
Reminds me of Georgette Heyer. But did not reach the satisfaction that Georgette Heyer's novel deliver. Not worry enough. Not romantic enough. It started out really well. Then let down in the middle. Picked up towards the end.
July 4, 2021
Read this in my teens and loved it of course. Very Georgette Meyer, very well done and lots of fun.
September 24, 2022
The heroine was not someone I was routing for and the novel started to become a chore rather than a pleasure. DNF at Chapter 15.
August 30, 2023
Beginning was good
I liked the characters and the story for most of the book. Towards the end it seemed to get a little bogged down which became boring.
I liked the characters and the story for most of the book. Towards the end it seemed to get a little bogged down which became boring.
February 17, 2024
A bedtime fall-asleep reread from my middle school years. Pleasant, a little flat footed in delivery, but enjoyable enough.
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